For VAN May/June, the In Focus section features members of Print Network Ireland – an initiative led by Black Church Print Studio, Cork Printmakers, Graphic Studio Dublin, and Limerick Printmakers, which aims to represent professional printmakers and artists using print in Ireland. This section includes articles by Ria Czerniak-LeBov (Graphic Studio Dublin), Emily McGardle (Black Church Print Studio), Johnny Bugler (Cork Printmakers), and Christopher Clery (Limerick Printmakers), who each outline a specific print process.
Also focusing on printmaking, Aodán McCardle outlines the evolution of Derry Print Workshop. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Belfast Exposed, Jonathan Brennan interviews Deirdre Robb about the evolution of the organisation. This issue also features Career Development articles from artists Breda Lynch, Ella de Burca, and Rita Duffy.
In columns, Rachel Macmanus considers the impact on artists of rejected proposals, while Lian Bell reflects on the benefits of coaching to counterbalance this sense of powerlessness. For the third column in the series introducing KCAT studio artists, Dominic Thorpe reflects on the working methods of Declan Byrne. Tuqa Al-Sarraj discusses key themes within her multidisciplinary art practice for the latest Angelica Network column, established to amplify the voices of women or minority gender artists from underrepresented cultural or ethnic backgrounds.
In International Profiles for this issue, Varvara Keidan Shavrova reviews the current sculpture exhibition, ‘When Forms Come Alive’, at Hayward Gallery in London, while Christa-Maria Lerm Hayes reviews ‘Kafkaesque’, an exhibition at DOX in Prague to mark the centenary of Franz Kafka’s death. Reviewed in the Critique section are: Lorraine Tuck at Roscommon Arts Centre; Els Dietvorst at Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre; Hughie O’Donoghue at The Glucksman; Eddie Cahill at Limerick City Gallery of Art; and Niamh McCann at The MAC.
As ever, the May/June issue includes the latest news, developments, and opportunities in the arts sector, as well as details of VAI’s forthcoming Lifelong Learning programme.
On The Cover
Niamh McCann, ‘someone decides, hawk or dove’, installation view, The MAC; photograph by Simon Mills, courtesy of the artist and The MAC.
First Pages
- Roundup. Exhibitions and events from the past two months.
- News. The latest developments in the arts sector.
Columns
- Wildflowers for Breakfast. Cornelius Browne reflects on the resilience of nature and the arrival of spring.
An Artist in Exile. Tuqa Al-Sarraj discusses key themes within her multidisciplinary art practice.
- Something Found To Be Beautiful. For the third column in the series introducing KCAT studio artists, Dominic Thorpe reflects on some of the working methods of Declan Byrne.
Approx 1 Second of a Sweet Kiss. Lisa Freeman discusses her new film now showing in Temple Bar Gallery + Studios until 19 May.
- Artists Know Best. Lian Bell reflects on the benefits of coaching to counterbalance powerlessness.
On Rejection. Rachel Macmanus considers the impact on artists of rejected proposals.
Organisation Profile
- Belfast Exposed @ 40. Jonathan Brennan interviews Deirdre Robb about the 40th anniversary of Belfast Exposed.
- Surface and Inscription. Aodán McCardle outlines the evolution of Derry Print Workshop.
In Focus: Print Network Ireland
- Etching the Digital Landscape. Ria Czerniak-LeBov, Graphic Studio Dublin
- Screen Printing Using Analogue Positives. Emily Mc Gardle, Black Church Print Studio
- Impressions of Place. Johnny Bugler, Cork Printmakers
- How to Flock! Christopher Clery, Limerick Printmakers
Critique
- Lorraine Tuck, ‘Unusual Gestures’, 2023.
- Lorraine Tuck at Roscommon Arts Centre
- Els Dietvorst at Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre
- Hughie O’Donoghue at The Glucksman
- Eddie Cahill at Limerick City Gallery of Art
- Niamh McCann at The MAC
International
- When Forms Come Alive. Varvara Keidan Shavrova reviews the current sculpture exhibition at Hayward Gallery in London
- Kafkaesque. Christa-Maria Lerm Hayes reviews an exhibition in Prague to mark the centenary of Franz Kafka’s death.
Career Development
- Creator of Worlds. Brendan Maher interviews Breda Lynch about her recent exhibition at The Source Arts Centre in Thurles.
- Holding Space. Ella de Burca outlines the evolution of her practice to date.
- Mother Myth Memory. Sean Walsh interviews artist Rita Duffy about her current exhibition at Esker Arts in Tullamore.
Public Art
- Art Outside of the Gallery. Public art profiles by Ruth E. Lyons and Maggie Madden.
Member Profile
- Tokyo Jazz Joints & Beyond. Belfast-born photographer Philip Arneill discusses his research and practice.
The Power of Stillness. Adeline Gaudefroy reports on her residency at The Marina Abramović Institute.
Last Pages
- Opportunities. Grants, awards, open calls, and commissions.
- VAI Lifelong Learning. Upcoming VAI helpdesks, cafés, and webinars.