Children of Deaf Adults (CODAs) and the Visual Arts
Sunday 4th December at 12:15 on RTÉ One

Internationally renowned performance artist Amanda Coogan, theatre actor Shane O’Reilly and painter Fergal Dunne all have something in common: they are CODAs, or Children of Deaf Adults. They grew up in households where communication was visual, with Irish Sign Language as their families’ first language – a language of the body, hands and facial expression. This week Hands On asks if their upbringing in this visual environment influenced their desire to become involved in the visual arts.

Amanda Coogan

Amanda Coogan has produced many works that involve or reference Deaf culture or use Irish Sign Language, including the piece The Deaf Opera, an Irish Sign Language interpretation of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, involving the Dublin Deaf Drama Group.

Shane O’Reilly

Shane O’Reilly recently broke new ground in the Absolut Fringe Festival with his play FOLLOW, which confronts the many communication difficulties Deaf people experience every-day and uses Irish Sign Language and spoken English in equal measure to make a new, integrated theatre experience for both Deaf and hearing audience.

Fergal Dunne

Fergal Dunne feels his work is influenced by the purely visual nature of Irish Sign Language and the way it can be used to communicate an idea without underlying symbols.

All three talk to Hands On about growing up in two worlds: the hearing and Deaf; how Irish Sign Language has influenced their work; and how their experience of two cultures has shaped their attitudes and contributed to ideas in their practice. The programme is richly illustrated with clips and images of the work of all three, making this show as beautiful as it is fascinating.

Hands On is a magazine series for the Irish Deaf and hard of hearing community, produced by Mind the Gap Films and broadcast on RTÉ One.

Check out www.rte.ie/handson for more information.

The market in the atmospheric 12th Century crypt of the Cathedral

The Christ Church Cathedral Christmas Market will run for 4 dates this Christmas over 4 consecutive Saturdays, beginning on the 26th November and will continue on the 3rd, 10th & 17th December. Trading times will be 11am-4pm.

Christchurch Cathedral in the snow

The Christmas Market is held indoors in the 12th Century crypt, with a total of 15 stalls creating an intimate festive shopping experience and will feature Arts, Crafts, Jewellery and craft stalls including those by up and coming Irish designers. This year there will also be food stalls outside in the Cathedral grounds and entry to the market will be free.

Last week saw the opening of an exhibition by Niall O’Loughlin who is considered by many to be one of the world’s top caricaturists. The exhibition is in the Balla Ban Gallery in the Westbury Mall, off Grafton Street.

Niall O'Loughlin and Lucie Pacovska at the official opening of Niall O'Loughlin's new show

The exhibition closes today (26th November).

This annual Art Fair took place earlier this month in the RDS.  The art fair  (Ireland’s largest) hosted 130 exhibitors from Ireland, South Africa, Belgium, Mongolia, Canada and the UK and featured a range of  paintings, sculpture, prints and photography.

Artist Ursula Klinger at Art Fair 2011

Artist Chris McMorrow at Art Fair 2011

RTE Presenter, Mary Kennedy with a portrait of Bertie by graffiti artist, ADW at the Balla Bán Gallery Stand

Last  month I met with artist Jerry Cahir at his home and studio in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary. We had a chat about art, spirituality, life.

Jerry came to art late in life.  He had been a bank manager with AIB until he was forced to retire through ill health.  A while after, he took a course in carving.  He had always been good with his hands .  So his art career was born.

Jerry has a great sense of spirituality, of God which comes through in his art.  He loves the Burren and in particular the Celtic monuments which have influenced his work.  Other such influences would be Newgrange and the standing stones in Cill Rialaig where he has been in residence.
Although his first love is sculpture, Jerry also is an avid painter.  His passion is for abstract pieces.  He believes you have to let go of the ego and “trust where it comes from”.  Again the theme of God comes through.  The following quote from John O’Donoghue hints at this:
“All you can ever achieve is a sense of your soul. You gain little glimpses of its light, colors, and contours. You feel the inspiration of its possibilities and the wonder of its mysteries.”?
Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom

Jerry loves people.  You can see it in his eyes.  He believes in the inherent goodness of people.  A native of Ennis he has lived in Roscrea for 26 years. He seems to know everyone. He loves to be involved in the community.  In the time I was there he had a visitor discussing publicity for an art event he was helping to organise.
When I visited, Jerry was preparing for an exhibition.  I always find it fascinating to see how stones, wood, paint, canvas can take on a form that comes from the mind.  I look forward to seeing the results.

Jerry welcomes visitors to his studio but by appointment only.
For further information on Jerry Cahir and his art have a look at his website: www.jerrycahirart.com

Liam Madden,
Irish Art News.

The two winners of the Walkers International Law Firm Dublin Secondary Schools Art Competition have been announced at a prize giving ceremony in Walkers Dublin offices, based in Sir John Rogerson’s Quay.

L to R: Vicki Hazelden from Walkers Law Firm, Sarah Louise Donohoe 1st prize in the ‘Up to Junior Cert’ category, artist Rasher and Sophie Ryan 1st prize in the ‘Up to Leaving Cert’ section. (Photo Maxwell Photography)

Pictured left to right were Managing Partner Walkers Law Firm, Vicki Hazelden, Sarah Louise Donohoe (14) from Dominican College in Sion Hill, Blackrock who won the top prize in the ‘Up to Junior Cert’ category, judge Rasher, one of Ireland’s best known contemporary artists and Sophie Ryan (17) from Santa Sabina College in Sutton who claimed top spot in the ‘Up to Leaving Cert’ section.

The competition saw a strong number of entries all hoping to claim generous cash prizes for themselves and their schools worth €14,000.  The art competition, part of the Walkers Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, was open to secondary schools across Dublin city and county. All entrants had to work to the theme ‘A Day in the Life of Dublin,’. Walkers, which opened its Dublin office in September 2010, is a global law firm with nine offices worldwide and is headquartered in the Cayman Islands.  The winning art work will hang in Walker’s offices.

There was a great buzz in Filmbase, Temple Bar last night for the opening of John Fitzsimons’ first solo exhibition ‘conversion’.  The exhibition was opened by Karim Rehmani White.  There were 12 paintings on display and by the end of the evening, seven had little red dots beside them – a great testament to the standard of John’s work.

Olivier Cornet (Olliart) with artist John Fitzsimons at the exhibition opening

Have a look at the article on John written for Irish Art News.

The exhibition continues until November 10th.

The exhibition “Father and Son” opened last Thursday, October 13th in the Doorway Gallery on South Frederick Street. The exhibition by Val Byrne and his son Roland Byrne was officially opened by Eamon de Buitlear.

Artist Val Byrne with Eamon de Buitlear at the exhibition opening (photo Fusion Photography)

The exhibition coincides with Val’s 75th birthday.

Poet Kate O'Shea at the exhibition opening (photo Fusion Photography)

The show continues until Thursday November 3rd.

Recently I met with Maria Corbett, director of the Powerscourt Gallery.

Gallery director Maria Corbett with her portrait by Kieran Crowley

Maria took over the gallery in 2009 and works alongside with Philippa Kelly and Aisling Bodkin.  She has definitely noticed many changes since then.  2011 is a lot tougher than previous years. There are a lot less impulse buys.  People are buying because of their love of art.  A painting on the wall is something you can enjoy every day.

Recently they have introduced a number of innovative features to the gallery.  At Culture Night they had an open life drawing session. Any one could come along and try sketching the live model.   This now continues fortnightly on a Thursday for a reasonable fee of 8 euro.

Another idea is an art & craft market on the last Saturday of the month.  The gallery floor is cleared and artisans can have a table for 40 euro for the day.  They also have had a county themed event: “Love Donegal” where art, crafts and music from that county were featured.

Powerscourt Gallery Interior

All the work in the gallery is original art or original prints.  Maria feels strongly that that the distinction between reproductions and original prints should be made clear.  One has a much better chance of holding or increasing its value.

Maria is keen to look after the artists that display in the gallery.  They get exposure for six days a week and the gallery’s innovations expose their art to more potential buyers. She feels that prompt payment of the 50% commission to the artist when a painting sells is essential.

Maria curated the Bank of Ireland Art Collection for four years. At one stage she had a choice to make: bank shares or money to put into art. What would you have done?

Maria Corbett with Philippa Kelly

It’s great to see new ideas in an industry which could be seen as conservative.  What will they do next?

For more information see the Powerscourt Gallery website – www.powerscourtgallery.com

Liam Madden
Irish Art News

Artist John Fitzsimons in his studio

Last week I met up with Dublin artist John Fitzsimons in Caffe Noto, Thomas Street for a chat about his life, work, art and his upcoming exhibition.

John grew up in Terenure.  He likes living in the city. I get the impression he would not want to live anywhere else.  Unlike with some artists the idea of living in a cottage in Connemara or West Cork did not get an enthusiastic response – quite the opposite.  I’ve an idea that perhaps the city with its man-made environment and straight lines has influenced his work.

Artist John Fitzsimons in his studio

John graduated from DLIADT (Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology ) with a diploma in fine art printmaking in 1995 and joined Graphic Studio as a printmaker.  He did editioning work for the likes of John Graham and Cliona Doyle.  With the number and variety of artists there, John found the atmosphere stimulating and invigorating. Through his current job at Stoney Road Press, where he editions art, John has also worked with artists such as Charles Tyrrell, Donald Teskey, Dorothy Cross, Patrick Scott and Brian O’Doherty.

In parallel with his printmaking, John kept “notebooks” of art in gouache and acrylics.  This formed the basis of his art career.  He returned to DLIADT to complete a degree in fine art in 2000.

Artist John Fitzsimons outside his studio

Art is Johns life as you can sense from his schedule. He works two days a week in Stoney Road Press, two days a week teaching art for the VEC in Lucan. He also has his studio in La Catedral Studios not far from where he lives.  Talking to John I get the sense that he knows where he is and where he’s going.  He is “locked into the process”.  When it comes to his work John’s sense is: “only I can do it”.

When I met him, John was finishing preparations for his first solo exhibition. The exhibition entitled ‘Conversion’ opens on October 27th in Filmbase, Temple Bar and continues until November 10th.  I’m looking forward to seeing the exhibition and what direction John’s career heads.

John is represented by Olivier Cornet (Olliart) – www.olliart.com.

Liam Madden,
Irish Art News.

Life Drawing at Powerscourt Gallery on Culture Night, 2011

Ever wanted to have a go at life drawing?  Here’s your chance.  Powerscourt Gallery will be holding informal life drawing sessions on a fortnightly basis from October 6th.

This is a drop in class and will not be conducted by a tutor.  The aim is to explore the craft yourself and discuss afterwards with fellow classmates. Live model & tunes are supplied on the night.

This is the perfect opportunity to draw one of the most enduring themes in the visual arts.  No pressure just fun and art at the Powerscourt Gallery.

B.Y.O. Sketchpad/Pencils.

The next session is on Thursday October 20th, 6pm -7.15pm.  Charge is 8 euro for the session.

For more details see Powerscourt Gallery website.

North-West Promotions are taking 50 artists on a tour of Ireland and the North starting this November 11th-13th in Letterkenny.   35 artists are committed so there are spaces  for another 15.

Sean Hillen

“We held the Donegal Art Festival back in August and had 50 artists and crafters exhibiting their work together for two days and an evening. It was a success I’m glad to say and everybody sold something as well as got commissions and students.The idea of this exhibition was to engage the public with the artists directly – this was possible because all the artists stayed with their work for the duration. The visitors loved the opportunity to talk to the artists and I believe we sold well because of this. Stephen Bennett sold a painting of €4,500 within the first 20 minutes of opening time!” - Terrie Burton.

Kevin Gallagher

All exhibitions have a cover charge of €150 and there is no commission. Good room rates have been negotiated for artists at each hotel, as well as a good discount on food and beverages.

Dates:
November 11, 12, 13th Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny
November 26,  27th Jacksons Hotel Ballybofey (craft fair)
January 20, 21, 22nd The Clarion Hotel, Sligo
Dates in Derry, Belfast and Enniskillen to be confirmed soon.

So if you are interested in taking part (just come to the first exhibition and see what you think), please contact Terrie on 087 741 2975 for more information.

John Nolan in his studio

I recently visited Dublin artist John Nolan at his Shomera studio in Drumcondra, a veritable colour fest for eyes.  Along with many others in the arts in Ireland, John has noticed a considerable decline in art sales in recent times. Although John’s work has been reasonably priced for many years,   it’s no longer a  question of “paint it and they will buy”. He always believed, as did the late Cecil King, that his art should be available to everyone, and still pursues this belief. John has had to look at various ways of “reinventing” himself to stay above water.

Ready for an art class

After many years John has returned to teaching.  He holds art classes in his studio.  When I visited, he had ten easels set up for a class the following day. This is the maximum number of students he can accommodate in his studio. John has the “just paint” approach to teaching painting. He believes everyone is artistic,  it is just a matter of helping the individual to discover this talent and develop it. His classes are very practical and the students come away with completed paintings.

As well as his very distinctive signature paintings, John explores several styles. John paints every day. The notion of painting one theme, in the same style daily, wouldn’t satisfy his creativity, he would be bored, he prefers to be versatile and explore various styles from day to day.  He also produces a range of greeting cards and giclee prints of his work which are on sale in the IMMA bookshop, The Hunt Museum, Evans Art Suppliers, Art & Hobby, The Helix, The New Brewery Arts Centre, UK., Heartlands Gallery, USA.

John Nolan Self Portrait

Recently John was awarded 3rd prize by the American Art Awards, in the self portrait category, his work was competing with entries   from America, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Canada, England, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Macedonia, New Zealand, Romania, South Africa, Slovakia, and Ukraine!  Due to this award his work has attracted more attention in the USA which has lead to exciting new projects and commissions for the future.

The Girl with the Peacock Tattoo

The Girl with the Peacock Tattoo

A more recent development is tattoo art. Jillian Hanrahan liked one of John’s paintings so much that she has had it tattooed on her arm.  The tattoo was done by Norbert Halász of Dublin Ink and took eleven hours to complete.  John is toying with the idea of getting one himself – maybe!

I look forward to seeing any other developments in John’s career….. and his tattoo !

For details on John Nolan, his art classes,  his work and where to buy his paintings, giclee prints and greeting cards visit his website at www.nolanart.com.  His Studio is in Drumcondra, Dublin 9,  just ring or email for an appointment, all are welcome.  As John says “ Paint what you feel not what you see, Art is for everyone, all we need to do is open our eyes and enjoy”.

John Nolan is a practising artist well known for his upbeat, colourful, paintings which are widely exhibited and have represented Ireland at the Florence Biennale.

Contact John at
john@nolanart.com
086 8118063

Liam Madden,
Irish Art News.

Tonight (14th September) saw the opening in the Dalkey Heritage Centre of  “Familiar Places” – a solo exhibition by Deborah Donnelly featuring colourful landscape paintings from South County Dublin: Sandycove, Dun Laoghaire and the odd cow, chicken or pig!

The exhibition also features work by her mother Clare O’Farrell.

Artist Deborah Donnelly with her mother Clare O'Farrell and friend at the exhibition opening.

The exhibition continues until Sunday 17th September.

The law firm Walkers Ireland has today (September 12th) launched a secondary school art competition, open to second level students in Dublin city and county. Cash prizes worth a total of €14,000 are on offer to the winning schools in the two categories for students

• ‘Up to Junior Cert level’ and
• ‘Up to Leaving Cert’.

The art competition, entitled “A Day in the Life of Dublin”, calls on students to submit their impressions on what Dublin means to them before the closing date on October 12th. The judging panel features Rasher, one of Ireland’s best known contemporary artists, as well as Frances Coughlan, a famed local artist from Dublin. Walkers Ireland Managing Partner Vicki Hazelden will also assist with the judging.

The artist Rasher, one of the judges in the competition.

The competition will culminate with an awards ceremony for the winning students, school representatives and judges at the Walkers Dublin office on October 27th.

Nicola Connolly in Walkers is the person teachers/students can contact for art competition details. Her number is 01 470 6623 and her email is nicola.connolly@walkersglobal.com

Dublin Contemporary 2011 was launched yesterday (September 5th) at the exhibition’s HQ on Earlsfort Terrace next door to the NCH.

Responding to the theme Terrible Beauty—Art, Crisis, Change & The Office of Non-Compliance, and led by curators Jota Castro and Christian Viveros-Fauné, the exhibition presents the work of more than 100 of the world’s most exciting artists, whose artworks will establish Dublin as the destination to discover the latest in Irish and international contemporary art.

Artist Anne Cleary at Dublin Contemporary 2011

The event continues until October 31st in the following venues:

• Earlsfort Terrace
• The Douglas Hyde Gallery
• Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane
• National Gallery of Ireland
• The Royal Hibernian Academy.

National Open Art Competition Call for Entries

The deadline will be extended on Monday to September 30th. Click here for details.

6 September — 31 October 2011

Dublin Contemporary is a large-scale visual art exhibition that will run over a period of 8 weeks from 6th September to 31st October 2011. It is one of the most ambitious art exhibitions ever staged in Ireland and is expected to attract over 150,000 visitors. It is a citywide effort that puts Dublin on the map as an international art destination.  It is envisaged that Dublin Contemporary will take place every five years.

Dublin Contemporary 2011 venues.

The theme of Dublin Contemporary 2011 is:
Terrible Beauty – Art, Crisis, Change and The Office of Non-Compliance. The inspiration stems from W.B Yeat’s stirring poem, “Easter 1916”. Dublin Contemporary 2011 evokes the spirit of present time, emphasising how the idea of change itself has changed utterly. The exhibition’s title was inspired by Yeats’s response to political events in Ireland and is intended to highlight art’s potential for commenting on current events in Irish life.

Lead Curators for Dublin Contemporary 2011 are Brussels based Franco-Peruvian artist and curator, Jota Castro and New York-based writer and curator, Christian Viveros-Fauné.

Work by over 90 artists from 5 continents will be displayed around the city to illustrate this theme, as W.B Yeats wrote –
“A Terrible Beauty”

For more information see the Dublin Contemporary 2011 website.

The third of the People’s Art 2011 exhibitions finished up today (21st August) in St. Stephen’s green.

Artist John Nolan and Jillian Hanrahan at people's Art

The last one of 2011 takes place next month 23rd-25th September.

Roscrea-based multi-media artist Jerry Cahir’s third solo exhibition Whisperings of the Soul was opened in Kenny’s Lahinch Art Gallery by cardiologist Dr Brian Maurer on the 5th August. There was a capacity crowd which included Dessie and Pat O’Malley, former ambassador to Washington Sean Donlon, the Moylan Brothers, author and historian George Cunningham, and a very supportive crowd of family, friends and fellow artists.

At the opening Oliver Moylan, Dessie O Malley, Dr Brian Maurer, Jerry Cahir and Dr D. Moylan.

50 Paintings and 12 sculptures are on show and there was an heartening display of red dots on show before the evening was out.
Busy time for Jerry as he is exhibiting in two shows in Birr during its Vintage Week.

Jerry holds a captive audience during the opening

Patricia Graham shares a moment with PJ Laydon watched by Angela Cahir and Dr Brian Maurer

The exhibition continues until August 24th.