Conjuring at Doneraile

A newly curated exhibition has been launched in the historic Doneraile Court.

The Conjuring Form exhibition has been produced by Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) in partnership with the Office of Public Works at the newly refurbished Doneraile Court.

The contemporary works in the exhibition are curated within the historic rooms and furnishings of the house, juxtaposing old and new.

This creates a dialogue around the importance of collections and collecting contemporary material culture.

DCCI’s Portfolio Critical Selection programme 2021/22 is showcased in the Conjuring Form exhibition.

It is a select group of Ireland’s most talented designers and craftspeople. Each have reached their high standard of practice through years of refinement. The designer makers in this exhibition typify the best in contemporary Irish practice, with deep understanding of their chosen materials and techniques, and mastery to conjure form.

This year's virtual selection process meant that more people applied than would have previously. As a result, there is a greater international element to the selection then in previous years, featuring Irish makers currently based in Britain, the USA and UAE.

Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan, said: “The Office of Public Works is delighted to continue to develop our collaborations with DCCI. Hosting Portfolio at Doneraile Court during Cork Craft Month is a new and exciting step and the presentation of objects by Ireland’s top artists and craftspersons in a historic environment such as this draws attention to the continuum of craft skills over centuries.

“Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the showcase of living makers’ works as part of their visit at Doneraile Court over the coming weeks and I hope this will attract many to come and enjoy this juxtaposition of old and new.”

DCCI Chief Executive, Rosemary Steen said: “We are constantly enthralled by the level of craftsmanship that emerges from the applicants to the Portfolio programme. Though just two years apart, the level of excellence and innovation demonstrated by our makers across each cycle testifies to their passion and commitment to their disciplines. Over a period where creative energies may have been challenged, the body of work in Conjuring Forms underscores the strength of a thriving design and craft sector in Ireland. I look forward to seeing the journeys of these supremely talented makers on foot of the Portfolio 2021/22 programme.”

For more information, see ndcg.ie/exhibitions/portfolio2021-22.