Initiatives like the AIB Prize are more relevant and necessary than ever, argues Donal Maguire as he reviews the work of the artists short-listed for this year’s award
Irish art, like most domestic industries, benefited from the prosperity and optimism that defined Irish society over the past decade. The sudden influx of capital buoyed a burgeoning contemporary art scene and an abundance of private galleries, art centres and studios emerged across the country. This provided the infrastructure necessary to promote and support the growing number of visual artists in Ireland. Art prizes are an integral part of this system and the AIB Prize has established itself as the most substantial and innovative prize in recent years
