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‘On Reflection’ Bank of Ireland displays unique art collection in Belfast
8th May 2008
A unique collection of modern Irish artwork, exhibited for the first time in Northern Ireland, will be displayed at The Ormeau Baths Gallery in Belfast from the 8 – 31st May 2008.
A unique collection of modern Irish artwork, exhibited for the first time in Northern Ireland, will be displayed at The Ormeau Baths Gallery in Belfast from the 8 – 31st May 2008.
The Bank of Ireland collection of 53 paintings includes the work of seven top artists from Northern Ireland from the late 60’s to the 90’s such as Basil Blackshaw, Gerard Dillon and Norah McGuinness.
The exhibition of works which coincides with the tenth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, reflects the instability of the times and depth of feeling amongst artists working and living in Northern Ireland during the period of the conflict.
Some of the highlights of the exhibition include; ‘The Women of Belfast’ by F.E McWilliams that depicts a women caught in the aftermath of a bomb blast;‘The Marchers’ by Robert Ballagh that depicts a lone figure as a silhouette and Ballagh’s ‘Woman with barnet’. Ballagh was heavilyrecognised for his imaginative and hyperealistic renderings of well known literary, historical or establishment figures.
Stephen Kirkpatrick, Chief Executive of Bank of Ireland, Northern Ireland said, “We are delighted to be bringing such an inspiring collection of art to Belfast to be displayed in the superb location of the Ormeau Baths Gallery. We are proud of this exhibition as it enables us to bring such amazing works to the people of Northern Ireland. The exhibition is free of charge so we urge you to come along and see some of the best of Northern Ireland’s artworks on display.”
As part of this Bank of Ireland regional art initiative, on May 15th, Bank of Ireland will also be announcing this year’s winner of the prestigious Toradh Award. The ‘Bank of Ireland Toradh Award’ was designed to recognise established artists who have spent a significant amount of time working and studying in Northern Ireland and who have consistently produced work of an outstanding quality.
In addition the Bank of Ireland will be presenting winners of the Bank of Ireland Student Art Awards to three final year Fine Art students of the University of Ulster, College of Art.
© Bank of Ireland 2008
