By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council Buildings
Wexford County Council and Wexford Arts Centre in partnership with the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) tonight (Thursday) launched Irish Gothic, a solo exhibition by Patricia Hurl in ‘the Street’ at Wexford County Council headquarters at Carricklawn, Wexford.
Liz Burns, Wexford Arts Officer, said the exhibition was selected from a major retrospective hosted by the IMMA last year, and presents one of Ireland’s most accomplished artist, Patricia Hurl, whose work is by its nature political and traverses the disciplines of painting, multimedia and collaborative art practice.
Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council welcomed the exhibition to Wexford, complimented the artist and all who helped get it on display, and he hoped large numbers will drop into County Hall and view the exhibition over the coming weeks.
The exhibition was officially opened by writer, academic and activist, Ailbhe Smyth, who spoke passionately about Patricia Hurl and their mutual affection and friendship and an overview of her achievements. “While dealing with a range of difficult topics, humour is often deployed,” said Ms. Smyth, who added; “Sketchbooks, diaries, magazines, and newspaper cuttings are central to Hurl’s practice and an integral part of her process, a selection of which is included in the exhibition.”
Ms. Hurl, originally from Dublin and winner of the Norah McGuinness award for painting in 1984, was given a rousing welcome to Wexford by tonight’s invited attendance and stated that she appreciated the support and was delighted to have her exhibition available to the public in Wexford.
The Irish Gothic exhibition can be viewed at Wexford County Council Buildings, Wexford, until November 19th.
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