Pallas Projects/Studios, who have been breaking new ground for Irish visual arts and culture since 1996, are to showcase the work of Irish contemporary artists in a NYC-style fundraising auction, with the help of Whyte’s and The Irish Georgian Society.
This exciting collaboration between the auction house and the artist-run space will introduce Irish contemporary art – painting, print, photography and sculpture – to seasoned auction-goers, with many affordable works and the chance to secure a choice piece by a major Irish artist, or to grab a bargain by a future prospect.
It also presents a great opportunity for budding collectors to enjoy the auction experience for the first time, and start a collection of their own with a unique artwork.
It will demonstrate the strength and breadth of Irish contemporary art: with renowned Irish painters, already familiar to the auction house, alongside internationally-established artists, who are already selling work through the leading Irish contemporary and international galleries and art-fairs (Frieze, Art Basel), exhibiting at home in museums (IMMA, The Hugh Lane), and far and wide in art biennales (Venice Biennale) and international institutions.
The lots include specially created work by Willie Doherty, twice nominated for the Turner Prize, and British artist Liam Gillick, who exhibits regularly in Ireland with Kerlin Gallery and represented Germany in the 53rd Venice Biennale, both of whom have produced new one-off pieces especially for the occasion. In addition the auction will feature the work of many hugely talented emerging artists who have been championed by Pallas in recent years.
Run with the support of Whyte’s, who are graciously donating their fees to support the not-for-profit sector, it will take place in the grandeur of the Octagonal room of the City Assembly House, aptly built by the Society of Artists in Ireland between 1765-71, as the first public exhibition gallery in Ireland and Britain.
The event promises to be an entertaining spectacle, with pop-up food, drinks (from the likes of Teeling Whiskey and Galway Bay craft brewery), and surprise guests (such as Ardal O’Hanlon who previously launched the event).
This gala evening will showcase how contemporary art is connected to the continuum of art history, dealing with aesthetics, style and concepts that can be seen to channel and chart a line from the old masters – through to 20th century Irish modernists Mary Swanzy, Louis le Brocquy, Cecil King and Patrick Scott – right up to the most cutting-edge work being produced today.
Pictured: Sean Molloy (Philip’s Head XIX) & Abigail O’Brien (Blazing Star)
Date: Thursday 2nd May 2019, 6–9 pm (auction starts 7pm)
Viewing days: Tuesday 30th April (2–6pm), Wednesday 1st & Thursday 2nd May (12–6pm)
