Brian Maguire

Tuesday, April 29, 2025
6.30pm - 9pm

“We must honor the fact that women and men die simply trying to find work.” These are the words of the illustrious painter Brian Maguire, who has dedicated forty years of his life to revealing the impact of war, corruption and oppression on the human condition. Every year, to escape endemic drug trafficking and poverty, thousands of people cross the Brazilian Amazon, often ending up in the soup kitchens of North America's major cities. Along the way, hundreds will have lost their lives in the Sonora desert (Arizona), in a perilous and desperate attempt to cross illegally from Mexico into the USA.
Working from photographs taken between 2017 and 2019 of their unidentified remains, the artist likens the act of painting to a furious cry for memory and love. In terms both stark and beautiful, Brian Maguire pays a vibrant tribute to these forgotten individuals. Two short documentaries presented within the exhibition help to contextualize his deeply committed approach.

Before the opening, at 5:30pm, a conversation between Brian Maguire and human rights activist Bill Shipsey (free admission, booking recommended).
During the evening, our artists-in-residence Cecilia Bullo and Wendy Judge will open the doors of their studios, while Dylan Quinn will present a short dance performance in response to the exhibition's themes.
And at around 7:45pm, pianist Daniel Luke, accompanied by cellist, will perform his sumptuous neo-classical compositions in the courtyard.

The media library will be open all evening.
In partnership with Culture Ireland.

30 avril - 6 juillet 2025