Now’s the time
6 November 2008 – 8 February 2009
Charlemont House
Parnell Square North
Dublin 1, Ireland
Now’s the time is an exhibition comprising a selection of works by eleven artists whose legacy remains influential and relevant today. Each of the artists featured in this exhibition (Piero Manzoni, Eva Hesse, Bas Jan Ader, Gordon Matta–Clark, Jean–Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Martin Kippenberger, Felix Gonzalez–Torres, Helen Chadwick, Michel Majerus and Jason Rhoades) made a seminal contribution to the cultural climate of the late 20th and early 21st century. In many cases their work may be viewed as epitomising a particular epoch or seminal moment in the narrative of art history.
The artworks featured in this exhibition, the mediums used in their execution and the strategies and motives behind their production are as diverse and eclectic as the featured artists. Now’s the time includes sculpture by Eva Hesse combining geometric and organic forms, assemblages of found objects by Jason Rhoades and the vestiges of an architectural intervention by Gordon Matta-Clark. Paintings by Michel Majerus, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring and drawings by Martin Kippenberger reflect how these artists engaged with aspects of the visual culture of their own time to produce innovative, iconic and in some cases irreverent artworks. A ‘magic base’ by Piero Manzoni and an ephemeral artwork by Felix Gonzalez–Torres investigate ideas concerning audience participation and authorship.
Film work by Bas Jan Ader and Robert Smithson and photographs by Helen Chadwick underscore these artists’ interest in ephemerality, the medium of film being used to enshrine that, which is impermanent. The intention of this exhibition is not to provide a closed conceptual theme but to focus upon the resonance of these artists’ work, which remains as dynamic and relevant as when first created. Now’s the time concludes the programme of exhibitions celebrating the centenary year of Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane. The Gallery’s founder, Hugh Lane, died at the age of 39 but his extraordinary legacy continues to enrich the cultural life of Dublin.
Now’s the time will be launched on 5 November with Stephen Snoddy, Director of the New Art Gallery, Walsall as guest speaker. The exhibition will open to the public at 10am on Thursday 6 November. A publication and programme of stimulating talks and screenings accompany this exhibition.
