IRISH MAKERS TO SHOWCASE AT COLLECT 2023 ART FAIR IN LONDON
Posted 01.03.23
A selection of Ireland’s master craftspeople will feature at Collect 2023, the leading international fair for contemporary craft and design, at Somerset House in London this week. Running from Friday, 3rd March until Sunday, 5th March, the Irish exhibition at Collect 2023 features work by a selection of makers from Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s PORTFOLIO Critical Selection 2021-2022.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland established the PORTFOLIO programme in 2005 to recognise Irish practitioners creating work to a standard considered worthy by museums, renowned galleries, and discerning collectors. The benchmark for this elite group selected for PORTFOLIO is achievement of excellence in contemporary craftsmanship and design by comparative international standards. PORTFOLIO has been instrumental in building the international reputations and commercial potential of Ireland's best designer‐makers of contemporary craft. The 10 makers representing Ireland at Collect 2023 are Max Brosi, Mike Byrne, Antonio Julio Lopez Castro, Mary Conroy, Jack Doherty, Joe Hogan, Mary Nagle, Annemarie O’Sullivan, Emer Roberts, and Gráinne Watts. Their work has previously been exhibited at Conjuring Form, a touring exhibition curated by Alice Stori Liechtenstein, founder of the Schloss Hollenegg for Design, to showcase PORTFOLIO Critical Selection 2021-2022.
The 2023 Ireland contribution at Collect is curated by independent curator, Billie Muraben. Speaking about the exhibition, Billie Muraben said: “I am excited to bring together this brilliant selection of works. Each practitioner has a distinct relationship to Ireland, and a unique material approach. The exhibition includes pieces in sycamore, ceramics, copper, heather, willow, and 18-carat gold. Their work has a shared relationship with ecology and natural forms, with common themes of the potential for beauty in the everyday, empathy for the more-than-human, and respect for ancient crafts.”
Rosemary Steen, CEO of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, said: "Collect is a leading international fair and Design & Crafts Council Ireland are delighted to be working on it with Crafts Council again this year. It is wonderful to have this opportunity to celebrate the diverse range and breadth of craft and design being created by Irish makers on an international level, several of which were selected for the Homo Faber 2022 Best in Europe exhibition. In bringing our makers to Somerset House, they have an opportunity to increase their profile and extend their customer base on an international level. I would like to congratulate the many makers in this exhibition.”
Collect 2023 presents a cohort of leading galleries from across the globe, altogether representing over 400 outstanding artists. Most of the work has been made in the last five years, with many artists creating new work for the fair. Ceramics, glass, lacquer, art jewellery, precious metalwork, textiles and fibre, wood and paper are all displayed side-by-side to create a unique opportunity for collectors and craft enthusiasts alike.
ENDS
For more information contact Claire Feely, Rachel Farrell or Shona Hutchinson at Elevate PR, claire@elevate.ie / rachel@elevate.ie / shona@elevate.ie .
Notes to Editor:
About Design & Crafts Council Ireland:
Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) is the national agency for design and craft in Ireland. It advocates for the societal benefits of craft and design, and promotes the commercial development of Irish designers and makers; stimulating innovation, championing design thinking, and informing policy. DCCI is funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment through Enterprise Ireland.
www.dcci.ie / @dccireland
About Collect:
Collect is one of the world’s most influential fairs focusing on contemporary craft and design.
Collect 2023 takes place from 03 - 05 March (Previews 01 and 02 March) at Somerset House, followed by a virtual showcase on Artsy.net.
The fair presents a cohort of leading galleries from across the globe, altogether representing over 400 outstanding artists. Most of the work has been made in the last five years, with many artists creating new work for the fair. Ceramics, glass, lacquer, art jewellery, precious metalwork, textiles and fibre, wood and paper are all displayed side-by-side to create a unique opportunity for collectors and craft enthusiasts alike.
Alongside international galleries, Collect Open, the fair’s platform for pioneering craft installations by individual artists and collectives, returns with 14 exciting projects by artists hailing from the USA, Poland, and from all over the UK including Northern Ireland. A talks programme featuring experts in art, craft and design will take place at the fair and will also be available to stream online.
To find out more about Collect visit collectfair.org.uk or follow @collectartfair on Instagram.
About Billie Muraben:
Billie Muraben is a writer and curator, based in London. She was Assistant Curator of the 5th Istanbul Design Biennial, ‘Empathy Revisited: Designs for more than one’, led by Mariana Pestana. She contributes to Port, Wallpaper and Tank magazine, among others.