As Irish Design 2015 is launched worldwide, we republish here Jennifer Goff’s assessment of the legacy of internationally acclaimed arch Modernist Eileen Gray
It has taken a long time for the reputation of Irish-born designer Eileen Gray to be accorded the public recognition it deserves but earlier this year earlier the Centre Pompidou in Paris mounted an impressive retrospective of her work, part of which is coming to IMMA in October. Renowned as a designer and a self-taught architect, it is less well known that Gray was also a talented photographer and artist. During her later years she destroyed her personal papers, wanting to be remembered only for her work. From the archives which remain, another fact becomes clear; that despite a lifetime spent in France Eileen Gray remained an Irishwoman at heart.
‘Culture is about sharing; Nationalism is about ownership.’ Hughie O’Donoghue encapsulates the chasm between the two concepts, in conversation with Brian McAvera
The study of fragments is second nature to Jason Ellis, writes Paula Murphy of the sculptor’s collection from last year.
Imogen Stuart is gladdened to see a new generation, represented here by Helen O’Connell embracing the traditions and craft of their art