‘OF DE BLACAM AND MEAGHER’- Ireland’s exhibition at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2010 – OPENS IN CORK

of de Blacam and Meagher, the exhibition that represented Ireland at the 12^th International Architecture Exhibition 2010 in Venice, Italy, opens at the Lewis Glucksman Gallery, UCC, Cork on FRIDAY APRIL 8, 2011. The exhibition will be open to the public at the Glucksman until May 22, as part of a national tour. Ireland’s participation at Venice, and the exhibition’s return to Ireland for this national tour, is an initiative of Culture Ireland in partnership with the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon.

Commissioned by the Irish Architecture Foundation and curated by Tom dePaor, Peter Maybury, Alice Casey and Cian Deegan, of de Blacam and Meagher examines the built and unbuilt portfolio of the Irish architecture practice de Blacam and Meagher over the last 33 years. Two short films by Ruán Magan, one about the installation in Venice, and the other with interviews from the commissioner and curators, will be displayed during the exhibition.  

Glucksman Director, Fiona Kearney said, “the award-winning architecture of the Glucksman is a perfect context to show the exhibition that represented Ireland at the Venice Biennale. As well as our own architecture students, there are many architecture enthusiasts in the region who will be curious to interact with the displays. We are delighted to welcome of de Blacam and Meagher to Cork and look forward to many lively conversations about architecture in the gallery in the coming weeks.”

In Cork, a series of educational events created by the Lewis Glucksman Gallery will provide opportunities to learn more about the exhibition, and to explore the connections between architecture, art and archive. 

After Cork, the exhibition continues on to Limerick City Gallery of Art (July 22 –August 27); and Ormeau Baths Gallery, Belfast (September 2 – October 2).

For media information, contact:          Annette Nugent / annette@annettenugent.ie / 086 6820971

EDITOR’S NOTES

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

The exhibition takes the form of a book unbound, containing volumes of drawings and photographic reproductions from the archive, contemporary photography and readings of the works with commentaries. As both archive and reading room, the space is furnished with items from the de Blacam and Meagher archive. Members of the public are invited to read the work and take it away. Over time, the stacks of paper are depleted, until finally we are left with only the furnishings. The archive will, in essence, be consumed.

In Cork, a series of educational events created by the Lewis Glucksman Gallery will provide opportunities to learn more about the exhibition, and to explore the connections between architecture, art and archive.

See www.glucksman.org and www.architecturefoundation.ie for details.

ABOUT THE VENUE

Lewis Glucksman Gallery, University College Cork, Ireland.

T +353 21 4901844/ E info@glucksman.org/ W www.glucksman.org

ABOUT DE BLACAM AND MEAGHER

Formed in 1976, this architectural practice has built houses and places of work, commerce, education and worship. In turn, the influence of de Blacam and Meagher has permeated the many facets of Irish life with a distinct cultural presence. The quality of their work has been recognised both in Ireland and internationally, and the book Architects Today refers to them as “the godfathers of contemporary Irish architecture”. Known for their focus on making simple buildings and the employment of beautiful and sustainable materials, some of their best-known buildings in Ireland include Cork Institute of Technology, Chapel of Reconciliation at the Catholic shrine at Knock, Co. Mayo, the Samuel Beckett Theatre Dublin and the restoration of the Dining Hall and Atrium in Trinity College Dublin for the University’s 400^th anniversary celebrations.

ABOUT THE VENICE BIENNALE

The 12^th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia – ran from Aug 29 to Nov 21, 2010 in Venice, Italy. Attracting more than 100,000 visitors from around the world, it is widely regarded as the most important event on the international architecture calendar. For more information, see www.irelandatvenice.ie / www.labiennale.org.

ABOUT CULTURE IRELAND

Culture Ireland is the state agency for the promotion of Irish arts worldwide, working under the aegis of the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport. Culture Ireland creates and supports opportunities for Irish artists to present their work at strategic international festivals, venues, showcases and arts markets. The agency comprises a board appointed by the Minister and an executive staff led by the Chief Executive. www.cultureireland.gov.ie

ABOUT THE ARTS COUNCIL / AN CHOMHAIRLE EALAÍON

The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon is the national agency for funding, developing and promoting the arts in Ireland. www.artscouncil.ie

ABOUT THE IRISH ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION

The 12th International Architecture exhibition, of de Blacam and Meagher is commissioned by the Irish Architecture Foundation under the directorship of Nathalie Weadick. The Irish Architecture Foundation was commissioner of the 11th and 10th International Architecture Exhibition at Venice in 2010 and 2008 respectively.

The Irish Architecture Foundation's role is to be a vibrant and passionate organisation that excites its audiences about the value of architecture. The IAF believes in the power of architecture to transform lives and considers that the places and spaces where we live affect our culture and our sense of self. The importance of communicating this to the to a national and international audience is why the IAF was established in 2005. www.architecturefoundation.ie

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