Open 10:30–5:00, Tuesday – Saturday
Senior Irish artist, Janet Mullarney, ARHA presents a new exhibition, her first large scale exhibition in five years, at Highlanes Gallery.
Born in Dublin, and living between Ireland and Italy, Janet Mullarney is one of Ireland’s most important artists working today. The title of the exhibition My Minds I refers to the idiom mind’s eye and to the human ability for visualisation, for the experiencing of visual mental imagery; one’s ability to ‘see’ things with the mind, and to the power of the psychic imagination that communicates important subterranean messages to be deciphered.
In the exhibition small fragile sculptures are juxtaposed with backdrops and a heightened lighting scheme where a mysterious theatrical world will unfold. More like drawings, and avoiding any obligation to the monumental, these small insignificant figures stand alone on large open spaces to create an anarchic independence, and the subversive effectiveness of the silent interior of the artist’s thoughts.
My Mind’s I will unwind some inner vision suggesting the vastness of experience and aloneness of each individual in their transition through life, regardless of their experiences. Consequently, it can only be translated through the viewer and suggests the impossibility of knowing oneself or the other.
The exhibition is curated by Aoife Ruane, Director of Highlanes Gallery, with lighting design by Marcus Costello, and opened on Friday 30 January 2015 and continues until April 11. The exhibition has been awarded an Arts Council Touring Grant and is sponsored by Clarke’s Bar, Drogheda, once home to 20th century artist Nano Reid.The exhibition will subsequently travel to partners Butler Gallery, Kilkenny and Wexford Arts Centre in Autumn 2015 and in 2016.
A full colour catalogue will accompany the exhibition with texts by art historian William Gallagher and Manchán Magan,writer and documentary maker.
Artist’s Biography: Janet has spent a great deal of time working and being inspired by Italy. She has won many awards, including the RUA Perpetual Silver Medal Prize (2009), the RHA Sculpture Award (2008), and The Pollock Krasner Award 1998, and her work is represented in both private and public collections in Ireland including The Arts Council, The Irish Museum of Modern Art, The Office of Public Works, and Limerick City Gallery of Art.Janet has exhibited extensively in Ireland, Europe, and across the world,including Museo de Arte Contemporanea, Oxaca, Mexico, and Shanghai Art Museum,and has many important works in public spaces including; Groningen,Holland, Royal Victoria Hospitals, Belfast, and Cherry Orchard Primary School Dublin. Janet Mullarney is a current member of Aosdana, the organisation which was established by the Arts Council in 1981 to honour artists whose work has made an outstanding contribution to the arts in Ireland, and to encourage and assist members in devoting their energies fully to their art.
The exhibition continues until April 11, 2015
Highlanes Gallery’s public programme will connect closely with this exhibition especially through the Primary School Programme working with three schools in Drogheda, Cartown National School, St Ita’s Special School, and St Oliver’s Primary School, and also with second level schools including St. Vincent’s School, Dundalk. There will public talks including a talk by the artist and both mid-term and Easter Workshops for children.
Exhibition Opening: Friday 30 January, at 7.30pm. The exhibition will be officially opened by Manchán Magan, writer and documentary maker.
PublicProgramme:
Talks
Saturday 14 February, 2.00pm, Artist’s Talk by Janet Mullarney, booking advisable
Saturday 7 March, 2.00pm Art historian William Gallagher discusses Janet Mullarney’s practice
Talks are free, but booking is advisable as places are limited, book by telephone or email – 041-9803311, info@highlanes.ie
Children’s Workshops
Mid-Term Workshops, Thursday 19,Friday 20 February 11.30am-1.00pm with facilitator Lynn McGrane
Easter Workshops, Thursday 9 and Friday 10 April, 11.30am-1.00pm, with artist Janet Mullarney
Workshops are €5 per child, and can be booked by telephone or email – 041-9803311, info@highlanes.ie
As numbers are limited and cost is modest, if you book and find that your child cannot attend, please contact the gallery so that the place can be released. (more details on workshop content will be available in early February)
School and Group Tours
Highlanes Gallery welcomes visits by all types of groups. Tours are available for children at primary and second level and can involve a practical element if requested. The Drogheda Municipal Art Collection will also be on display and guided tours will consider this too.
Tours are charged at €1 per person with teachers, leaders, coordinators, free.
Tours begin from 10.30am and are usually 40 minutes and can be booked by telephone or email – 041-9803311, info@highlanes.ie
For community groups or older peoples groups, and schools, refreshments can be arranged through Highlanes Gallery’s Relish Café and Foodhall.
Listings Information:
Exhibition: Janet Mullarney: My Minds I
Exhibition Opening: Friday 30 January 7.30pm
Venue: Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda
Dates: 30 January – 11 April, 2015
Open: 6 days a week, Monday – Saturday 10.30am-5.00pm, closed Sunday
Online: www.highlanes.ie Twitter: @highlanes FACEBOOK: HighlanesDrogheda
