Open 10:30–5:00, Tuesday – Saturday
Fresh from its world premiere at the Culturel Centre Irlandais in Paris, Highlanes Gallery presents the Irish premiere of Colin Martin’s first major solo exhibition since 2009 – ‘Empathy Lab’. Aoife Ruane, director of the gallery and curator of the exhibition, says that ‘this is a critical expression of the important development of Colin Martin’s practice – working in the analogue medium of painting, while exploring ideas around humanity, evolution, specifically in relation to technology; with sub themes – including the genesis of a surveillance capitalism, the cultural and political ideologies that underpin architectural space, and the influence of philosophy and art history’.
Colin Martin first exhibited at Highlanes Gallery in the gallery’s first year, in 2006, a mere 18 years ago, as part of the exhibition ‘Returning’, where four winners of the Royal Hibernian Academy’s Hennessy Craig Award exhibited together.
The gallery is also delighted to publish the first catalogue on Martin’s practice with an essay from Tom Lordan, art critic and writer, and to acquire two works to the gallery’s growing collection.
Funded by Louth County Council and the Arts Council, Highlanes Gallery thrives on its local, national and international partnerships and last autumn, Aoife Ruane and Colin Martin spoke in conversation at the first iteration of the exhibition with Nora Hickey M’Scihili, director of the CCI in Paris.
Empathy Lab will open at Highlanes with a public talk between Colin Martin and fellow artist, Alan Butler on Saturday 2nd March at 3.30pm, with access to the gallery from 3pm. The conversation will be Sign Language Interpreted. Places for this free event can be booked on eventbrite.ie & highlanes.ie.
