We are thrilled to present VAN 100 – the 100th issue of The Visual Artists’ News Sheet – which coincides with the 40th anniversary of Visual Artists Ireland this year. For these reasons, we are celebrating the organisation’s origins in sculpture, with this special issue. Central to VAN 100 is a specially commissioned survey, Four Decades of Irish Sculpture, profiling significant sculptural works from the last 40 years.
In addition, we present a series of Artist Interviews between artists at different career stages, with the aim of generating expanded discussion on the nature of Irish sculpture. Offering insights into their working methods, research and materials are conversations between Katie Watchorn and Matt Calderwood; John Rainey and Janet Mullarney; Aoibheann Greenan and Andrew Kearney; Jane Fogarty and Isabel Nolan; Sam Keogh and Anne Tallentire; Avril Corroon and Kathy Prendergast.
This issue also features profiles of some of the country’s main Sculpture Centres and an extensive series of Columns. Paula Murphy outlines Ireland’s main sculpture collections, while Karen Downey introduces the upcoming Sculpture Dublin programme. We also have archival insights from NIVAL and the Barry Flanagan Estate, while current postgraduate research is discussed by Chloe Austin and Audrey Walshe.
As ever, we have also have details on upcoming VAI Lifelong Learning workshops, recent exhibitions, public art roundups, news from the sector and listings of current artist opportunities.
Members of VAI receive a copy of the VAN delivered straight to their door. The VAN is also available to pick up free of charge in galleries and arts centres.
Selected articles featured in the print edition are available at the Visual Artists’ News Sheet Online here: visualartistsireland.com