TURNING CORNERS EXHIBITION & BOOK LAUNCH: GERARD BYRNE STUDIO | RANELAGH, DUBLIN

The exhibition comprises a selection of extraordinary plein air and figurative works, all executed during the three Lockdown phases of the Covid 19 pandemic, spanning the period Spring 2020 to Summer 2021. The transformation of the gallery allows to exhibit over 60 artworks, all of which feature in Turning Corners, a unique, lavish, and highly collectable volume published by Gerard Byrne Studio to coincide with this show.

Charting Byrne’s lockdown journey in spectacular colour, Turning Corners – the artist’s first publication – shows us how his victory over initial negativity led him to embrace the curtailment of certain freedoms and, ultimately, enjoy an unconfined explosion of creativity. Turning Corners features illustrations of Byrne’s complete lockdown output of 150 stunning artworks and, along with accompanying text by Susan Stairs, offers a rare and captivating visual record and time capsule of our national topography, both urban and rural, during a period of global significance. 

Byrne’s lockdown odyssey began in April 2020 on the rooftop of his home and studio in Chelmsford Road, Ranelagh, a practice that attracted huge media interest and earned him the moniker ‘The Artist on the Roof’. Over the months that followed, he brought his easel out onto the streets, exquisitely capturing his local area in oils and charcoal, venturing further afield when restrictions allowed. These spectacular Modern Impressionist works include scenes in leafy Ranelagh and Donnybrook; the lush cherry blossoms of Herbert Park and Portobello; Grand Canal’s water reflections; the National Botanic Gardens; the coastal villages of Dalkey and Sandycove; and, from the artist’s 2021 staycation, the Dingle Peninsula on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Byrne also treats us to an arresting series of figurative works which showcase his intriguing imaginative process during the winter lockdown when plein air painting was not possible. 

 The success of Byrne’s artistic journey is due in no small part to the overwhelmingly positive reaction of his local community, bringing with it affirmation of the powerfully curative effect of art in times of great challenge.

'For over five decades, the Upper Leeson Street Area Residents Association (Ulsara), has worked to cherish the architectural heritage and preserve community in our neighbourhood. Gerard’s work honours the harmony and beauty of our streetscapes and is a significant contribution to the architectural archive in itself. As importantly, Gerard’s paintings shine a light on these terraces and houses as homes, as our places of solace and shelter and sustenance.'

-    Fiona Slevin, Chair of Ulsara

Turning Corners launches in Gerard Byrne Studio, Ranelagh, on Culture Night, Friday 23rd September 2022, with both the book and exhibition presenting a lasting pictorial record of an extraordinary time, one seen through the eyes of an artist who, despite strict travel limits, discovered beauty and complexity around every corner.

The exhibition continues until Sunday, 23rd October.
FREE entry. No booking is required to visit the gallery

Exhibition opening hours:

• Monday, CLOSED
• Tuesday, 12 - 6
• Wednesday, 12 - 6
• Thursday, 12 - 6
• Friday, 12 - 7
• Saturday, 12 - 7
• Sunday, 12 - 7

Turning Corners publication is OUT NOW available in our online shop for shipping worldwide.

Edition of 1,000 

Reproduced in spectacular colour, off-white paper luxury coffee table book featuring 348 pages, sewn, 150 artworks, 209 illustrations, english language, weight: 2,4 kg. Hardback with book cloth finish and exquisite The Ash on Ashfield Road print on the front cover; text in debossed foil stamping on front, back and spine. Printed in Italy. 

A beautiful and inspirational home addition.

Thoughtful and timeless gift for art enthusiasts and the architecture-obsessed. 

Artworks: Gerard Byrne

Text: Susan Stairs

Note from Fiona Slevin, Chair Ulsara

Design: Ruža Leko, Studio Suss

Edit: Agata Byrne

Artworks scanning: The Copper House

FSC Certified

ISBN: 978-1-9162031-0-5

€150.00*

PURCHASE

The Book is also available at Gerard Byrne Studio, Ranelagh.
Call in to pick it up or buy online*, reserve your copy and collect from the Studio at your convenience.
      *in shipping options select 'FREE Collection at Gerard Byrne Studio'