Press release
Minister Martin announces Ireland’s Representation at the 59th Venice Art Biennale
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
Today, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, announced that artist Niamh O’Malley and Temple Bar Gallery + Studios, as the curator, will represent Ireland at the 59th Venice Art Biennale in 2022.
The Venice Arts Biennale is one of the most important international platforms for the visual arts, attracting over half a million visitors, including global curators, gallerists, art critics and artists. The selection of the team to represent Ireland was made following an open, competitive process with international jury members. Ireland at Venice is an initiative run by Culture Ireland in partnership with the Arts Council.
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, said:
"I wish Niamh O’Malley and Temple Bar Gallery + Studios every success in representing Ireland at Venice in 2022. It is a hugely important moment in an artist’s career as the Venice Biennale serves as a global showcase. Niamh O’Malley’s practice will gain further international recognition and working with TBG+S, as curators, will increase awareness of Ireland’s strong visual arts sector."
Niamh O’Malley’s proposal for the Irish pavilion, entitled “To mark a space, to hold a spot”, reflects an emphasis on the importance of the studio and its role in the creation of work. This collaboration with TBG+S will present O’Malley’s sophisticated and precisely executed work.
TGB+S Director, Cliodhna Shaffrey, said:
"Temple Bar Gallery + Studios is greatly honoured to present artist Niamh O'Malley at the Irish Pavilion for the 59th Venice Biennale 2022. Niamh O’Malley's proposal sets us on an artistic journey originating in her TBG+S studio and going out into the world at Venice. Known for her exquisitely crafted sculptures and moving image installations, O’Malley brings attention to the act of looking; encouraging the viewer to slow and hold still in the moment. Her work is founded in making and materiality and underpinned by a questioning of how we touch the world."
ENDS
Curator, Cliodhna Shaffrey is Director of Temple Bar Gallery + Studios and will be working with Michael Hill, Programme Curator and the team at Temple Bar Gallery + Studios to deliver the exhibition.
Ireland was previously represented at the Venice Biennale by Eva Rothschild (2019), Jesse Jones (2017), Sean Lynch (2015) and Richard Mosse (2013).