ART worth an estimated £6 million by celebrated artists as diverse as Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, Banksy, Pablo Picasso and Patrick O'Reilly is on display in Co Down's Culloden Estate.
Art and Soul - The Holywood International Art and Sculpture Fair features works by a host of leading Irish and international artists, with over 125 pieces on display amongst the 12 acres of gardens.
Run in conjunction with Gormleys Fine Art, one of the highlights of the sculpture exhibition is 30 works by Kilkenny-born artist Patrick O'Reilly, who studied at the Belfast School of Art.
A Teddy Bears' Picnic installation showcases many of O'Reilly's distinctive life-sized bear sculptures, whilst inside the hotel are 15 sculptures, including some of his new experimentations in resin and stone.
O'Reilly's personality and humour shines through in his unique bronze sculptures. He often references the animal kingdom to express his fears and sentiments about life.
"All my figures, even if they are teddy bears, take the form of humans. A teddy bear is a very non-threatening animal, but a bear is very vicious, so it's that combination. He's got enormous power. He could eat you, but he is very gentle. Teddy bears are very universal," he comments.
The Cameron suite of the Culloden Hotel is dedicated to the work of American pop artist Andy Warhol, whose works explores the relationship between artistic expression, advertising and celebrity culture that flourished by the 1960s.
Key works of Warhol's on show include his stunning monochrome Mickey Mouse from his 1981 Myths portfolio and his 1975 portraits of Mick Jagger, which are signed by both Warhol and Jagger. Also featured are a number of his iconic portraits of Marilyn Munroe, Chairman Mao and Ingrid Bergman.
Another highlight is a selection of work by English artist Patrick Hughes. Heavily influenced by surrealism, Hughes is the pioneer of reverspective art.
Famous for his three-dimensional pieces and their unique use of optical illusion, Hughes's art challenges the viewer to question our own understanding of perspective and vision.
Other renowned artists whose work will be on display include Dublin sculptor Ian Pollock, Damien Hirst, Banksy, Peter Monaghan, Roy Lichtenstein, Keith Haring, FE Mc William, Orla de Bri, Gianfranco Bosco, Seo Young Deok, Stephen Johnston, Gordon Harris, Robert Indiana, Julian Opie and and Eamonn Ceannt.
The event is open to the public daily from 11am-7pm and no prior booking is required. Free curated guided tours, which do require pre-booking, around the installations will take place daily at 2pm, 4pm and 6pm.
There will also be Art and Soul afternoon tea events, artist talks and a Bollinger Champagne bus on the grounds.
Art and Soul continues until July 18. For further information visit Gormleys.ie or Hastingshotels.com
