September in Dublin sees the close of summer exhibitions and the beginning of the autumn programme, and provides a good introduction to Dublin’s art scene for anyone new to it. Incorporating artists and influences from around the world, here are some exhibitions that are not to be missed.
IMMA hosts a retrospective of the Iranian artist Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian titled ‘Sunset, Sunrise’. Having spent part of her career in New York, the name of the exhibition reflects the duality of her eastern and western influences. From her home country Iran, Farmanfarmaian uses native techniques of cut glass mosaic and traditional geometric patterns. IMMA frequently offers supporting events alongside their exhibitions, in this case, an artist’s response by fellow Iranian Roxana Manouchehri on the 5th of October looks to be a stand-out. Manouchehri will be providing insight into Farmanfarmaian’s traditional influences and her innovations, which had a profound effect on the next generation of artists.
Temple Bar Gallery and Studios have an atrium space programme which invites artists to negotiate a more transitional and unconventional area compared to the usual gallery layout. This summer, until September 15th, it hosts Miranda Blennerhassett’s‘Kambur,’ inspired by Icelandic knitting patterns.Also exhibiting is Stephen Loughman, who uses subject matter taken from film to create atmospheric paintings in his ‘Proven Answers.’ Loughman’s exhibition culminates with the ‘Artist in Conversation’ event with curator Valerie Connor on the 12th of September.
Mart Gallery have artists studios throughout the city and exhibition rooms in an ex-fire station with double height space and recognisable red lifting doors which occasionally expose the space to the street. David Lunney is exhibiting from the middle of September with his show ‘Things Twice (Multiple Times).’ This exhibition will negotiate rhythm and pattern in Lunney’s unique mixed-media style and muted tones. Mart have also recently launched a Smart talk series which goes on throughout the autumn and features presentations from the Craft Council of Ireland and a talk on ‘Cultural Engagement in the Age of Trump.’
Alongside the permanent fixtures at the Hugh Lane Gallery, this September they will also feature two exhibitions that use digital technology to provide a commentary on current political and social climate. Rachel Maclean’s film piece ‘Spite Your Face’ uses multiple characters (all played by the artist) and parody in order to criticise consumer culture and the populism that contributed to Brexit and Trump’s election. Maclean uses makeup and costume to transform herself and green screen to place her characters in a virtual backdrop. Also on show is Doriean O’Malley’s ‘Prototypes’. O’Malley similarly situates her characters in virtual settings as well as against the backdrop of her home city of Berlin. Multiple themes are explored and navigated by trans protagonists in several films.
Daniel Rios Rodriguez’s ‘Bite the Tongue’ at the Kerlin Gallery uses mixed media to evoke the heat of San Antonio where they were created. The Texan painter uses a saturated colour palette painted with black to resemble a kind of heat mirage. Rodriguez’s natural forms are paired with frames that tend to protrude in sharp shapes, suggesting the expanse and extremity of the landscape they convey.
At the National Gallery, Roderic O’Connor invites viewers to see France through his vibrant lense, whilst the Chester Beatty presents us with another example of Japanese storytelling. The relationship between the ‘Roderic O’Conor and the Moderns’ exhibition and the featured artist’s sense of place is explored in a tour by Mags Harnett and Sandra Hickey entitled ‘France: the time, the place, the principles’. This takes place on the 13th of September at 18:20 and is free with an exhibition ticket for this date and time. At the Chester Beatty ‘The Valiant Adventures of Tawara Tōda’ is also on display until January. The Tawara Toda scrolls tell the story of the 10th century warrior and the trials he faces. The scroll is part of an ongoing restoration project and is a wonderful example of 17th century Japanese art.
Many of these shows are evocative of foreign places or reflect cultural artistic practices outside of Ireland, and so the September exhibition programme feels very outward looking just when many of us are returning to the city.
This article was previously featured in our print edition, available now across campus and in select locations around Dublin. It includes art by Leia Montenegro.
