Norah McGuinness – Pioneer

Highlanes Gallery’s 20th anniversary programme concludes with an historic highlight – a major exhibition celebrating the life and work of 20th century artist, designer and illustrator, Norah McGuinness (1901-1980). This exhibition marks the 125th anniversary of McGuinness’ birth, and demonstrates varied aspects of her wide-ranging practice – her effortless fluency in colour and composition; her skilled dexterity in commercial, theatrical and literary design – all spanning a prolific and remarkable exhibiting career.

Derry-born McGuinness and Drogheda-born Nano Reid were the first artists to represent Ireland at the 25th Venice Biennale in 1950, and Pioneer includes examples of work by both artists from that shared exhibition, including pieces unseen for many decades.

Confirming McGuinness’ expansive influence and legacy, the exhibition also includes a number of invited contemporary artists whose conceptual and material concerns both connect and differ, offering exploration and insight linking into painting past and present.

Over fifty works will be presented, borrowing from major public collections such as the National Gallery of Ireland, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Crawford Art Gallery, the Arts Council of Ireland, National Museums Northern Ireland, as well as from Highlanes Gallery’s own Drogheda Municipal Art Collection, and from corporate and private collections across the island.

The gallery will also publish an accompanying catalogue with the support of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media, through the Regional Museums Exhibition Scheme, commissioning new texts by Dr Nathan O’Donnell and Dr Roisin Kennedy, as well as republishing a text by Dr Fionna Barber. The exhibition is curated by Aoife Ruane, Highlanes Gallery, director.