The F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council are delighted to present Constellations: Selected Work from Crawford Art Gallery, Cork. A free exhibition celebrating creativity across the island of Ireland. This unique showcase brings together artists from North and South of Ireland, highlighting the strong cultural ties between the two regions.
Featuring the work of 14 artists working throughout the island of Ireland, the exhibition highlights the rich holdings of contemporary art in the Crawford Collection.
Presenting established figures including Nick Miller, Amanda Coogan, Corban Walker, and Ireland’s representative at this year’s Venice Biennale, Isabel Nolan, Constellations also introduces the work of many of the rising stars of Irish art such as Laura Fitzgerald, Dragana Jurišić, Niamh Swanton, and local artists Jennifer Trouton and Michael Hanna.Linked by vibrant colour and themes including nature, domesticity and gender, the artworks in this exhibition share a sense of playfulness and humour that combine with more serious concerns about freedom, power and agency. Ranging in media from Aideen Barry’s film Not to be Known (2015) to Declan Byrne’s Encrusted Dog and Laura Fitzgerald’s drawings made with ‘Tesco Sharpies’, the exhibition showcases the diversity of Crawford Art Gallery’s collection and of contemporary art in Ireland.
Welcoming the exhibition, Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Jessica Johnston said:
“Constellations brings together vibrant works from across the island of Ireland, showcasing everything from playful drawings to striking photography and film. This cross-border collaboration with Crawford Art Gallery in Cork highlights the strength of cultural connections between North and South and the diversity of artistic voices. Whether you’re local or visiting Banbridge for the day, we want you to feel welcome and inspired by what’s on display.”
“Constellations brings together vibrant works from across the island of Ireland, showcasing everything from playful drawings to striking photography and film. This cross-border collaboration with Crawford Art Gallery in Cork highlights the strength of cultural connections between North and South and the diversity of artistic voices. Whether you’re local or visiting Banbridge for the day, we want you to feel welcome and inspired by what’s on display.”
This exhibition is part of an ongoing partnership between F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Crawford Art Gallery in Cork, a National Cultural Institution dedicated to the visual arts. The collaboration began in 2013 with the landmark exhibition Analysing Cubism and continues to strengthen cultural links across the border.
The exhibition is on display until 2 May. Free admission, open Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm.