SPIRIT OF PLACE EXHIBITION: GERARD BYRNE STUDIO | DUBLIN
From Paris, April 1874 to Dublin, April 2024.
Exhibition and sale of paintings by Ireland's foremost Modern Impressionist — Gerard Byrne — presented in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the first exhibition of Impressionism. An outstanding collection of Byrne's 50 urban-focused plein air artworks showcasing the architectural heritage of locations including Dublin, London, Brighton and Paris.
It is exactly 150 years since the first Impressionist exhibition opened in Paris on 15 April 1874 at the studio of the photographer Nadar on 35 Boulevard des Capucines. This year, tributes are taking place in many galleries around the world, most notably a major exhibition of 130 works titled Paris 1874 Inventing Impressionism at the Musée d’Orsay.
Ireland’s foremost Modern Impressionist, Gerard Byrne, presents Spirit of Place in celebration of this ground-breaking event. The Impressionist movement’s founders — Monet, Renoir, Degas, Morisot, Pissarro, Sisley and Cézanne — advocated painting outdoors, en plein air, as this is termed, exposed to natural light and surrounded by the sights and sounds of the real world, as opposed to the far more restrictive conditions of the studio. The ideals and principles by which the Impressionists worked are the identical ones that Gerard Byrne has been using throughout the whole of his 35 year professional career.
The fifty stunning and carefully selected paintings offered for sale in this unique exhibition were produced by Byrne en plein air over the last decade in locations as varied as Dalkey, Dublin, London, Brighton and Paris. His talent is truly remarkable as is his ability to paint light-filled street scenes and cityscapes entirely outdoors, sensitively depicting precise architectural detail and perspective and capturing atmosphere with a magical touch.
"There is a magic involved in painting outdoors"
— Gerard Byrne
Highlighting his expert treatment of architectural heritage, his uniquely atmospheric street scenes and cityscapes, and accompanied by a fully-illustrated 150 page hardcover catalogue with complementary texts by author Susan Stairs, this exhibition affirms Byrne’s undeniable talent and demonstrates how, as a contemporary exponent of Impressionism, he is keeping alive the traditions and principles of a group whose innovation and bravery transformed the history of art.
An immersive art experience, this exhibition is not to be missed. Strong sunlight illuminating Georgian and Victorian architecture and throwing dramatic shadows across the paths of city streets; reflections wavering in the waters of the Grand Canal, the Thames or the Seine; pink cherry blossoms caught at their peak; busy cafes on a warm afternoon ... Spirit of Place is a must-see.
In a world of turmoil, we remain convinced that it is the artist’s essential duty to seek out beauty and to emphasise and elevate all that is good, for no better reason than to bring pleasure and joy. We hope that with this exhibition, Spirit of Place, we will do just that.
