Irish artist Patrick Graham received the inaugural Francis Bacon Lifetime Achievement Award as Dublin Gallery Weekend opened across the capital, rte.ie reported.
The event brings contemporary art exhibitions, walking tours, and talks to venues throughout the city center.
Graham accepted the honor at the Francis Bacon studio located in the Hugh Lane Gallery on Parnell Square. He described the recognition as fantastic while speaking to attendees and organizers.
Graham expressed astonishment at receiving the accolade. He noted that Francis Bacon is a real hero of his.
I’m still kind of in shock in a way,
Graham said, according to rte.ie. He added that he felt stunned because it is very difficult to accept in a way that you’re worthy of an award.
Dr. Barbara Dawson, director of the Hugh Lane Gallery and one of the judges for the award, emphasized the importance of the new honor. She remarked that this wonderful prize now provides the distinct recognition and dedicated awards that the visual arts require.
The Contemporary Art Gallery Association organized the four-day festival to draw visitors into participating venues. Venues taking part feature Taylor Galleries, The Solomon Gallery, Green on Red, alongside Hillsboro, situated right next door to the Hugh Lane.
Jessica Taylor from the Taylor Galleries noted that the weekend is a highlight for her and her friends from the Contemporary Art Gallery Association CAGA. She encouraged the public to enter the spaces during the weekend event.
We are so welcoming and so pleased to invite everyone in, so just come on in and say hi,
Taylor said, as reported by rte.ie.
Dr. John Daly, Chair of CAGA and owner of the Hillsboro Gallery, further commented that visitors stepping into any Dublin gallery will consistently encounter a friendly face and a warm reception. He noted that discussing art, introducing the public to creators, and helping people discover the city via the visual arts represents their greatest passion.
Gallery Director Dr. Barbara Dawson also outlined ongoing infrastructure changes at the Parnell Square institution. Building work has commenced as the hoarding is up and building works are continuing on the 1930s wing of the Hugh Lane Gallery as part of a major modernization effort.
The project will refurbish the 1930s wing with environmental controls and lighting to 21st century standards. Dawson noted that a new city library will be built beside the gallery, with a link between the two.
The combined cultural project aims to transform Parnell Square upon completion. The current weekend festival continues across Dublin with walking tours, talks and original work on show all over the city.
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