A Collectors' Testimonial | Ep. 1

Artist’s Life in the Making | Ep. 1

The first film in a new series celebrating the people who make an artist’s journey worth it.

Fran Mackey and Jacqui McElhinney have been Gerard Byrne’s friends for decades, and for just as long, his collectors. From the railings of St Stephen’s Green to a 2,000+ sq ft contemporary gallery in the heart of Dublin city, their support has been part of that journey every step of the way.

We often think of patronage as something reserved for museums or major collectors, but it isn’t. Every living artist relies on people who choose to champion their work, whether by acquiring a painting, buying a print or a book, attending an exhibition or sharing their work. Every act of support helps sustain an artist’s practice and, in turn, the culture they create.

Gerard Byrne is one of Ireland’s most established contemporary artists, painting professionally for nearly four decades. He is renowned for reviving the Impressionist and plein air traditions in Ireland, with work held in major public and private collections across the country and internationally.

Directed & Edited: Nikita Dmitriuk
Camera: Tigran Chakhoian