The ‘This is Ireland’ exhibition will showcase works exploring how identity is shaped through storytelling, popular culture and shared rituals at Cork County Council’s LHQ Gallery.
Running from Friday, March 6 to Friday, April 24, the exhibition will feature portrayals of Irish culture, including depictions of members of Belfast band Kneecap enjoying a pint, a pair of mummers wearing straw headpieces and familiar street scenes reflecting threads of connection and belonging.
The exhibiting artists include Íde Ní Shúilleabháin, Yvonne Condon and Tom O’Sullivan, who was awarded the inaugural Visibility Bursary Award from Cork City Council and the Arts Council.
Judit Bakos, Ailbhe Barrett, Angela Burchill, David Connolly, Bríd Heffernan, Eoin O’Broin, John Keating, Mary Rose Marshall, Rosaleen Moore, Nicola Moran, Stephen Murray, Marie Sexton, and Katie Whelan will also have works displayed.
Yvonne Condon, Street Painting on electrical box Princes Street.
Credit: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision
Mayor of the County of Cork, councillor Mary Linehan Foley, announced the exhibition.
“We are delighted to present this exhibition at Cork County Council’s dedicated exhibition space LHQ Gallery,” the Mayor said.
“We recognise the importance of the work that Crawford Supported Studios does for these artists and we celebrate an opportunity to bring their work to new audiences,” she added.
“‘This is Ireland’ presents playful, unapologetic and brave work that we encourage all to see.”
Tom O’Sullivan in the Studio.
Credit: Roísín O’ Sullivan
An opening reception for the exhibition will take place on Friday, March 6 at 1pm, and all are welcome to attend.
There will be a number of events as part of the Lifelong Learning Festival in conjunction with this exhibition.
LHQ Gallery is open Monday to Friday 9am-5.30pm, except for public holidays.
LHQ Gallery is managed by the Library and Arts Service at Cork County Council.
It is supported by the Arts Council. Crawford Supported Studios in a partnership between MTU Crawford College of Art & Design and Crawford Art Gallery, with assistance from Cork City Council Arts Office.