Home is where the art is at Crawford

Geraldine Fitzgerald

Crawford Art Gallery reopened its doors on Monday after a closure of over four months. Much to the delight of the culture-starved public, Cork’s much-loved landmark has a visual feast instore.

“We’ve been busy planning and installing some really interesting exhibitions and are excited to share these with our visitors,” said Director Mary McCarthy.

She added: “It’s been a long time since the public have inhabited the gallery spaces and we miss the connection and engagement with our audiences. These new exhibitions will provide stimulation and space for reflection and conversation that we have been missing these past few months.”

The commemorations exhibition by Dara McGrath ‘For Those That Tell No Tales’ features photographic works focusing on Ireland’s War of Independence. Once people have viewed the interior works, they can use the map on the gallery website to visit the supporting campaign of outdoor sites around the city centre.

21 May will see international artist Doug Fishbone open his first solo show in Ireland with a sculptural spectacle. It mirrors the housing market and people can wander around his ‘Ghost Estate’.

Film screenings from the collection Statio Bene, including the famous Casting of Canova, can be seen in the sculpture galleries.

The Zurich Portrait Prize and Young Zurich Portrait Prize are welcomed for a second year. Open to artists working in Ireland and Irish citizens abroad, they will run until 11 July.

Health and safety measures in place to protect the public. Large, well-ventilated spaces, a visitor route and friendly staff mean people can enjoy all the new works, as well as the familiar firm favourites from the collection, in tranquillity.

Fans can feed body as well as soul when the renowned Crawford Café reopens on 7 June. See crawfordgallery.ie for details and opening hours.