Sculpture event taking shape

Ireland’s biggest art and sculpture event will be hosted in Cork this month, with world famous works by Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, Damien Hirs and Francis Bacon set to feature.

The international art and sculpture fair Art and Soul will take place in East Cork’s Castlemartyr Resort from 27 May-18 June and will showcase €7 million worth of works by some of the biggest names in international and Irish art.

The free event will feature a major outdoor sculpture exhibition of 80 large sculptures and installations set throughout the 220-acre grounds of the 17th century manor estate.

With more than 200 works on display, the exhibition is said to be the largest showcase of sculpture in Ireland to date and, as well as international artists, will feature leading Irish sculptors Patrick O’Reilly, Ian Pollock, Bob Quinn, Sandra Bell, Eamonn Ceannt, John Fitzgerald, Anthony Scott and Orla De Brí.

The Castlemartyr Resort’s interior will display 100 artworks by some of the world’s best-known artists, including Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Damien Hirst, Salvador Dali and Banksy.

All of the artworks will be for sale, with prices ranging from €1,000-€450,000.

The event will be the 8th major art and sculpture event organised by Dublin art gallery Gormleys, but this is the first time they have brought it south of the capital.

Oliver Gormley of Gormleys said: “Art and Soul gives art lovers a unique opportunity to view these incredible works of art in the beautiful surroundings of Castlemartyr.

“Adults and children will enjoy the event equally, and our previous events in Russborough and the Culloden Hotel attracted over 10,000 visitors,” he added.

During the event, there will be a programme of artists’ talks and daily guided tours. Art and Soul will be open to the public daily from 11am-7pm.