Exhibition puts spotlight on ‘ordinary’ heroes of 1916

Robert Ballagh and Declan Kerr are among the artists taking part in the Galway 1916 Exhibition which is part of Galway City Council’s Centenary Commemorations and will run in the Connacht Tribune Printworks on Market Street, from March 23 to April 13.

This show features the work of more than 30 artists from all over Ireland and abroad, who are examining the people, events and legacy of the 1916 Rising.  The exhibition also poses the question, “Where are we now?” in terms of the values set out in the Proclamation which was read out on the steps of the GPO 100 years ago.

Robert Ballagh was instrumental in the Reclaim the Spirit of 1916 in 2006 and is well known for his depictions of Dr Noel Browne and Samuel Beckett.

In his work, meanwhile, Dundalk based artist Declan Kerr depicts participants of the 1916, not in their customary military attire, but in the clothes of their day-to-day professions. His works show how these were ordinary people living in extraordinary times. Kerr’s art will also be on display on Galway’s streets over Easter, thanks to the support of business in the Latin Quarter.

The indoor exhibition on Market Street highlights the works of Ennis native Thomas Maoldomhnaigh, whose watercolours and oil on canvas depict Eamon de Valera, Michael Collins and Liam Mellows.  Women and their role in the Rising are not forgotten, thanks to unique wax and ink drawings of Tony Clark from Wicklow, while Portuguese artist Miriana Santos draws on the turbulent histories of Ireland and Portugal for her work.

The graphic artist Gerry Hunt has reimagined the events of 1916 through his graphic novel The Blood Upon the Rose, which can be seen up close at the exhibition.

Other attractions include a series of films by Louth filmmaker, Marcus Howard whose work illuminates the lesser known participants of the Rising, through the voices of their descendants.

Charlie Byrne’s will operate a pop-up bookshop during the weekend and writers will be on hand to discuss and sign their works.  All the art on display is for sale.

The free exhibition opens from 11am to 6pm Monday to Thursday and 10am to 6pm Friday to Sunday.

Mayor of Galway, Councillor Frank Fahy will launch the exhibition next Thursday, March 23, at 6pm and all are invited to attend.