Údaras na Gaeltachta, in partnership with Ealaín na Gaeltachta, is featuring Gaeltacht visual artists in an exhibition celebrating 40 years of support for the visual arts in the Gaeltacht.
The exhibition curated by Una Campbell, Anna Ní Mhaonaigh and the team at An Gailearaí, Gaoth Dobhair, was launched by Anna Ní Ghallachair, Chairperson of the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta, yesterday and can be viewed at an Gailearaí during between the 18th of January until the 18th of February.
The exhibition, which was launched digitally last year at www.DathanDochais.com as Údarás na Gaeltachta, marked its fortieth year supporting a vibrant Gaeltacht culture.
The renowned art historian, curator and critical writer Catherine Marshall worked closely with an Gailearaí as a selector on the challenging task of sifting through the rich well of Gaeltacht visual arts to select 40 artists who come from or have worked in An Ghaeltacht during the past 40 years.
Catherine said “What is refreshing about Dath an Dóchais is the degree to which contemporary artists, native to, or migrants to the west of Ireland from all over the world, see it as their base but are neither confined by it or defined by the tradition that had so depended upon it.”
Úna Campbell, Director of An Gailearaí added “The breadth of disciplines and the quality and expertise of execution are extraordinary. This exhibition clearly demonstrates the strength of vision and eloquence of each of the artist’s own visual language assembled here within the prism of the geography and spirit of the Gaeltacht.”
Cathal McGinley and Ian Gordon at the launch of Dath an Dóchais art exhibition,An Gailearaí Gaoth Dobhair on Monday last. Photo Clive Wasson
This exhibition, which runs at An Gailearaí until February 18th and can also be viewed online at www.DathanDochais.com, provides, not only an insight into forty years of Gaeltacht art, but also an insight into forty years of Údarás na Gaeltachta and forty years of the community spirit which demanded the establishment of Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Rónán Mac Con Iomaire, Stiúrthóir Forbartha Réigiúin, Pobail & Teanga, Údarás na Gaeltachta ensures us that a strong community spirit still remains and looks forward to continuing to support, be inspired and be challenged by these artists as they continue to grow their practices, and to meeting the new generations of Gaeltacht artists that they, in turn, inspire.
Sarah Lewta at the launch of Dath an Dóchais art exhibition,An Gailearaí Gaoth Dobhair on Monday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Ronan added that he welcomed the continued support and partnership between Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Arts Council in supporting the arts in the Gaeltacht.
The 40 artists whose work will be exhibited as part of Dath an Dóchais are :
Áine Ní Chíobháin
Alannah Robbins
Andrew Duggan
Aoife Casby
Bernadette Cotter
Bob Quinn
Brendan O’ Sullivan
Brian Bourke
Caoimhghin Ó Fraithile
Cathal McGinley
Ceara Conway
Ciara O’ Flynn
Clare Langan
Clare Cashman
Danny Chóil Dan Ó Flatharta RIP
Deirdre McKenna
Donnacha Quilty
Heidi Nguyen
Helen Quill
Ian Gordon
Ian Joyce
Katrina Quille
Karol Mac Gairbheith
Kevin McGee
Lelia Ní Chathmhaoil
Maria Simonds-Gooding
Niall Naessens
Nuala Ní Fhlathúin
Róisín Ní Chionnfhaolaidh
Sandra Landers
Sarah Lewtas
Pádraic Reaney
Patsy Dan Rodgers
Ruairí Rodgers
Seán Cathal Ó Coileáin
Seán Ó Flaithearta
Tadhg McSweeney RIP
Tomás Ó Cíobháin
Úna Ní Shé
Úna Quigley
Speakers at the launch of Dath an Dóchais art exhibition,An Gailearaí Gaoth Dobhair on Monday last are from Anna Ní Mhanaoigh, CEO of Udarás na Gaeltacht, Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, Anna Ní Ghallachair, Chairperson Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta and Karol Mac Gairbheith . Photo Clive Wasson
