Unique Act
Frederic Matys Thursz, Sean Scully, Carmengloria Morales, Seán Shanahan and Ruth Root
13 March – 25 May 2008
Charlemont House
Parnell Square North
Dublin 1
t: + 353 1 2225550
info.hughlane [at] dublincity.ie
As part of its centenary celebrations, Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane is delighted to present Unique Act, an exhibition of non-figurative painting with works by Frederic Matys Thursz, Sean Scully, Carmengloria Morales, Seán Shanahan and Ruth Root. The exhibition is a current evaluation of contemporary non-figurative painting, as presented by these artists who, through a common medium, address different concerns in their highly individualised practices.
The Hugh Lane began as a picture gallery celebrating painting’s central position in visual art. Since then there have been many evolutions in the practice of painting. No matter how often its demise has been heralded, the practice has continued to evolve and for many artists it is central to expressing their concerns.
At a time when almost everything around us is mass-produced in factories, non-figurative paintings hold a very special position. Non-figurative art employs a language; like music, it is a dialogue involving the creator and audience. Frederic Matys Thursz, Sean Scully, Carmengloria Morales, Seán Shanahan and Ruth Root explore contemporary concerns through this language, demonstrating its breathtaking diversity. The five artists allow the viewer to evaluate how painting today is part of the world. The ensuing dialogue is rich, multilayered and complex. These works celebrate the limitless language of colour and form.
Unique Act celebrates the Gallery’s first centenary and has evolved out of Sean Scully’s generous gift of paintings to the collection in 2006.
An illustrated catalogue accompanies the exhibition with a leading essay by the eminent art critic, writer and historian, David Carrier. The catalogue also includes texts by Giovanni Accame, Sue Hubbard, Gavin Morrison, Jasper Sharp and Lilly Wei.
PANEL DISCUSSIONS
WEDNESDAY 12th MARCH at 4pm
Today’s panel will be chaired by DECLAN LONG and includes SEAN SHANAHAN, RUTH ROOT, CARMENGLORIA MORALES, contributing artists to the current exhibition Unique Act and DAVID CARRIER, essayist for the exhibition catalogue. Unique Act is an evaluation of contemporary non-figurative painting, and today’s discussion will look at the role of abstract painting today.
THURSDAY 17th APRIL at 5pm
“Who would dare assign to art the sterile function of imitating nature?”
(Charles Baudelaire)
A discussion on painting in the context of contemporary art practice, including artists ROBERT ARMSTRONG, FERGUS FEEHILY, MARK JOYCE and NIAMH O’MALLEY and chaired by DECLAN LONG.These discussions have been organised by Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane in partnership with NCAD, are free and open to
the public.
For further information on the temporary exhibitions programme contact Michael Dempsey
e: mdempsey.hughlane@dublincity.ie
t: +353 1 222 5552
or: logan.sisley@dublincity.ie
t: 00 353 1 222 5562