‘Masterpieces of the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection’ at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Kilmainham, Dublin presents the iconic paintings of the two central figures of Mexican Modernism. Few artists have captured the public's imagination with the force of Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) and her husband, painter/muralist Diego Rivera (1886-1957). The myths that surrounded this duo in their lifetime were spurred not only by their inspirational works, but also by their active involvement in Mexican society. Paintings on view will include key images by Kahlo such as Self-Portrait with Monkeys, and Self-Portrait as a Tehuana. Major work by Rivera, Calla Lily Vendors (all 1943) will likewise be on display. The paintings will be supplemented by other works including diaries, lithographs, drawings, pastels and collages. Also included are striking photographs of the duo, notably photographs by Frida Kahlo’s father Guillermo Kahlo. Kahlo/Rivera: 6 April – 26 June
Interior reflections
Kilcock Art Gallery present an exhibition of thirty new paintings by Josephine Grant, who divides her time between Ireland and France, and whose work demonstrates the differing qualities of light and atmosphere in both these places. Entitled ‘Interior Reflections’, the show reflects this division by presenting a number of paintings which depict the interiors of Grant’s two homes in Ireland and Tourneferie, France. Interior Reflections: 10 – 30 April
New masters
Some of our leading art exponents are coming together for a painting and print show entitled ‘New Masters’ at Cavanacor Gallery, Co Donegal in April. Always stimulating, recent Neil Shawcross work in mixed media uses metaphor to create a double meaning. The forthcoming show will likewise feature a selection of Hughie O’Donoghue’s carborundum prints. Felim Egan is known as a painter of restrained eloquence – aptly described by poet Seamus Heaney as depicting ‘a balance of shifting brilliances’. Landscape/seascape specialist Sean Fingleton has been named by some of the country’s leading art critics as ‘one to watch’. Brian Ballard is represented in Ireland’s major public collections, while Alice Hanratty boasts a well-established track record internationally. New Masters: 9 April – 3 June
Awash with colour
The Narrow Space Gallery in Clonmel will be awash with watercolours by Roscrea-based artist Mary Dillon in April. ‘Other Colours’ is her second solo show at this venue. Described in 2002 by the Belfast Telegraph as ‘one of the brightest new talents on the Irish art scene’, Dillon has been a professional artist since 1999. She has a keen interest in botany and gardening, taking inspiration from her garden, local hedgerows and Midland bogs as well as her regular trips to Kerry and France. Mary Dillon: 1 – 30 April
A literary flourish
The Dublin Painting & Sketching Club has gone all literary in celebration of the 2010 Dublin ‘City of Literature’ UNESCO Award. Its April exhibition (the 133rd to be held annually by this club) will feature over 260 artworks. There will be portraits of Irish authors/historical sites associated with well-known writers, together with images inspired by some of Ireland’s best poetry/prose. Among the well-known contemporary artists exhibiting are Patrick Cahill, Betty Christie, Brid Clarke, James English, Fergal Flanagan, Michael Gemmell, Olivia Hayes, Aidan Hickey, Paul Kavanagh, Nancy Larchet, Pamela Leonard, Brenda Malley, George Oakley, Tom Roche and Maeve Taylor. The exhibition takes place at the Concourse Arts Centre at the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Hall (Marine Road) in Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin. Dublin Painting & Sketching: 4 – 17 April
Building on art
Fourteen new paintings by Brian Maguire can be viewed at the Kerlin Gallery in Dublin city centre shortly. Central to this artist’s social and political commitments is the desire to uphold the dignity of human beings, telling stories that otherwise might just be ignored. In this new exhibition, the images originate from Central America, Latin America and Europe. In many cases, they take the form of civic/community buildings and engineering projects, both historical and contemporary. The uniquely expressionist paintings, however, stand on their own, defying any facile literal reading. Brian Maguire: 8 April – 14 May
