Offaly artist features in new National Gallery of Ireland show

Offaly artist Ruth Lyons is among those featured in the National Gallery of Ireland's first exhibition since reopening after 137 days of closure.

Aptly titled 'New Perspectives', the show comprises of acquisitions made by the Gallery between 2011 – 2020. The exhibition highlights a contemporary work of art with an Offaly connection – 'Salarium' by Ruth Lyons, 2014. Ruth is an Irish artist based in the rural boglands of North Offaly.

The latest exhibition will allow the public to view many of the new acquisitions to the national collection for the first time. Some highlights include Cityscape by American artist Alice Neel and City Rectangle by Ilya Bolotowsky.

'New Perspectives' also features works that have been purchased by Friends and Patrons of the National Gallery of Ireland, including 'Her First Communion' by John Lavery and 'Crayfis'h by Anne Yeats.

Sean Rainbird, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland, commented: “We are very happy to be open again after months of closure. These extraordinary times have reinforced the importance and value of the National Gallery of Ireland. After months of staying at home, we know that people are craving culture and live experiences, and we are delighted to welcome our visitors back.

The latest exhibition 'New Perspectives' is a culmination of ten years of acquisitions.

"Visitors will find great variety in the show, and the stories behind each work are truly fascinating. We are grateful to our friends, patrons, and the public for their support over the last number of months. I especially would like to thank our friends and patrons, without whom, some of the art showcased in 'New Perspectives', would not have come to be here. We look forward to seeing you all over the coming weeks and months,” he commented.

Niamh MacNally, Curator at the National Gallery of Ireland, continued: “There is something for everyone in this exhibition. A great variety of subject matter, landscapes, portraits – visitors will recognise some of the places and faces that feature too. Over the past decade, we have been working hard on gender balance in the national collection, and this exhibition features almost an even split of work by male and female artists.

"The earliest work in the exhibition dates back 500 years and the most recent work was created just last year. It has been a privilege to get to know these works and to learn more about the story that accompanies each one. I’m sure visitors to the gallery will feel the same.”

Tickets for New Perspectives can be purchased online, starting from €5.

Tickets can be booked by visiting www.nationalgallery.ie. The popular national collection is open to the public for free.

Find out more at www.nationalgallery.ie website.