OPW welcomes Sculpture in Context 2023 Exhibition at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is delighted to host Sculpture in Context at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. Showcasing sculpture for over 35 years, this annual event is the longest-running, largest and most important sculpture exhibition in the country, attracting a large public and critical audience. This cultural highlight in the National Botanic Gardens’ calendar runs from 7 September until 13 October, is free of charge and open daily.

The artworks in this year’s exhibition receive a spectacular presentation throughout the 50 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, allowing visitors to discover sculpture in the most unexpected and surprising places. Smaller sculptures will be exhibited throughout the glasshouses and in the Gallery upstairs in the Visitor Centre.

Bringing together the work of more than 140 artists – including Alan Clarke, Eileen MacDonagh, Róisín de Buitléar, Shane Holland and Sara Cunningham-Bell – using an incredible range of media, these works of art represent the richly diverse character of Irish and international contemporary sculpture.

Artists have been inspired by themes such as wildlife, ecology, climate change and homelessness. From the smallest, most intricate ceramic works to stone sculptures of a monumental scale, visitors to the exhibition will be enriched by the experience of viewing such inspiring works in one location. The artistic integrity and technical skill involved in creating the works is evident throughout and highlights the breadth and depth of artistic talent and skill in Ireland today.

This year’s programme will include a suite of lectures on Saturday, 9 and Sunday, 10 September from 3-4.30pm, by artists Eileen MacDonagh and Conall O’Caoimh and renowned plantsman, Jimi Blake, as well as guided tours of the outdoor sculptures on Saturdays at 11am.

The winners of this year’s Awards will be announced at the opening on 6 September and the winners’ exhibits will be on display throughout the Gardens for the duration of the exhibition.

For further information or images, please contact the OPW Press Office at pressoffice@opw.ie

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About Sculpture in Context

Sculpture in Context was established in 1985 to raise the profile of sculpture in Ireland and provide a platform for artists outside the normal gallery context. It is a not-for-profit organisation run by sculptors. The exhibition has been staged in the National Botanic Gardens since 2002.

Sculpture in Context promotes artists and creates opportunities for practicing artists to exhibit their works in a wider public arena. The organisation has provided much needed opportunities for Irish and non-Irish sculptors in Ireland.

TRAILING ESTHER

This performance is presented by Esther Raquel Minsky.

Saturday 9 September at 2pm.

This is a free event.

EILEEN MACDONAGH

One of Irelands leading sculptors, Eileen will talk about a career dedicated to the command of elements; stone, timber and the geometries found in nature and her expertise when working with scale.

Saturday 9 September 2023 at 3pm.

JIMI BLAKE & CONALL O’CAOIMH

Renowned plantsman, gardener and author Jimi Blake and sculptor and gardener Conall O Caoimh will discuss Sculpture in the Garden and the importance of creativity and art in our outside spaces.

Sunday 10 September 2023 at 3pm National Botanic Gardens, Auditorium Tickets for talks are €10 - available on Eventbrite.

Exhibition Dates 7 September – 13 October.

Listings information

• exhibition: Sculpture in Context
• location: National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin
• dates: 7 September – 13 October 2023
• times: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday to Sunday 10am-6pm.
• admission: Free
• website: botanicgardens.ie