DLR awards Visual Art Commissions

Conor Horgan, Maser and Vanessa Daws announced as the selected artists.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Arts Office has today announced the award of three Visual Art Commissions. These Commissions give the successful artists funding and an exhibition in the Municipal Gallery, dlr LexIcon, Dún Laoghaire. The artists will create new work that examines and connects to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County; the exhibitions are scheduled to place in 2027, 2028 and 2029.

The artists are:

• 2027: Conor Horgan Conor Horgan will explore a process of experimental public photographic portraiture by installing a portrait studio in the Lexicon gallery. During the exhibition’s run he will be available by arrangement to make portraits there of the citizens of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown. These portraits will be printed to a large scale and displayed in the gallery.
• 2028: Maser The exhibition explores the idea of how a place can carry many layers of history, emotion, conversations and identity. This body of work focuses on places that holds deep personal and creative significance for the artist. It will be both a personal and universal response to how people connect with their environments and each other.
• 2029: Vanessa Daws Vanessa’s exhibition will show new works responding to swimming in the Irish Sea in Dublin Bay, particularly in the Dun Laoghaire area. Vanessa is interested in the history, biodiversity and heritage of watery spaces, and personal stories connected to them. The exhibition will be a chance to share the joy of water and show how precious our global waterways are to human and non-human life. 

Commenting on the commissions, Cathaoirleach, Councillor Jim Gildea said: 

“The Visual Art Commissions are a significant opportunity for artists to create new work which connects to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County. I would like to congratulate the three artists and really look forward to seeing the outcomes of their work”.

Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Frank Curran added: 

“Dun-Laoghaire County Council is delighted to announce these awards.  We are extremely grateful to The Arts Council for funding the Visual Art Commissions”.

The Visual Arts Commissions are managed by The Arts Office and funded by the Arts Council.

For further information, visit dlrcoco.ie/arts.