THE annual northern exhibition of Important Irish Art by Dublin-based art Auctioneers Adam's opens today The Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast.
The private collection-sourced exhibition features work by artists including Colin Middleton, Paul Henry, and two pieces from Jack B Yeats – including 1945's Man Reading, making its public debut – along with work by traditional northern landscape painters such as James H Craig, Maurice C Wilks, Charles Lamb, William Conor and Cecil Magire.
Four early oils by Daniel O'Neill plus works by George Campbell and Arthur Armstrong fly the flag for ‘the Belfast boys’, with female artists including Evie Hone, Grace Henry, Letitia Hamilton, Mary Swanzy, Lilian Davidson and Derry-born Norah McGuinness also featuring strongly.
Covering all periods of the 20th century, the exhibition includes contemporary works by Tony O'Malley, Louis le Brocquy, Basil Blackshaw and TP Flanaghan, plus a series by Ireland-based English painter Barrie Cooke not seen since they were painted in 1966 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising.
"Adam's are very excited by this move into Belfast and our new association with the Crescent Arts Centre," says Adam’s director David Britton of the exhibition's relocation from its traditional home at Ava Gallery in Clandeboye.
"This move shows Adam's continued commitment of bringing interesting exhibitions to our northern clients, hopefully strengthening the strong ties we have already built while introducing ourselves to a new 'city' audience."
:: Exhibition runs until Sunday, 11:00am to 5pm today and tomorrow, 2pm to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free.
