I am not happy with this series of six photographs but I decided to use them anyway as I hope to photograph all twelve sculptures over the weekend or, failing that, the following weekend on my return from Belfast.
I have always liked the “bears” [my young niece referred to them as the bears with attitude] but, in my opinion, the jockey ruins the image and the sculpture. There is little room for attitude with a man on your back … however, I will leave it to you to decide.
My understanding is that Patrick O’Reilly has designed twelve life-size works for an outdoor sculpture trail which has been installed at six locations in the heart of Dublin. Depending on your point of view the trail begins at Gormleys Fine Art, 27 South Frederick Street, and continues to Merrion Square Park, the Merrion Hotel, St Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street to end at Capel Street outside the Hanoi Hanoi Vietnamese restaurant.
Patrick O’Reilly (b. 1957 Kilkenny, Ireland) is a highly acclaimed Irish artist who studied at the Belfast school of Art. He has since achieved international fame for his innovative and dynamic visual works, having exhibited throughout Ireland & Internationally for over two decades.
His work is included in many international museums and important private collections & in 1996 he had a solo exhibition in the Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery in Dublin. His has also won many awards including the RHA sculpture prize.
O’Reilly’s works are not only philosophical expressions of thoughts and experiences but also reflect his feelings, emotions, and personality. Monumental large-scale public commissions have allowed his sculptures to become much loved parts of the local landscape particularly in Ireland, with prominent sculptures standing outside the 3 Arena, Adare Manor, Burlington Road & Sandycove, Dublin. However, his work can be found all over the world including, a Strolling Bear in Paris and a bear wearing a tutu in Cape Town (Castle of Goodhope, 2004).
The sixteenth edition of Culture Night will take place on Friday 17 September 2021.
Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is brought to you by the Arts Council; it is a national moment, celebrating all that makes up the richness and diversity of culture in Ireland today, connecting people to cultural activities locally and nationally and aims to open up pathways to ongoing engagement.
Culture Night is a national moment celebrating all that makes up the richness and diversity of culture in Ireland today; connecting people to cultural activities locally and nationally and opening up pathways to ongoing engagement.
It celebrates culture, creativity and the arts and seeks to actively promote the belief that a rich and varied culture is alive, treasured and nurtured in people’s lives, today and every day.
Culture Night is about openness, discovery, celebration and belonging. Doors are opened late and special and unique events are programmed at participating locations. All activities are made available to the public free of charge.
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