Arts Council welcomes Russian Exhibition to Belfast |
31/07/2008
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland welcomed exhibitions by AES+F (The Last Riot), the Association of Illustrators (Image 31) and the Illustrators Guild of Ireland (Slant) to the Ormeau Baths Gallery (31 July).
The Last Riot, by Russian artists AES+F is made up of video film, including live acting and animation, depicting Armageddon to a Wagner soundtrack, works on canvas and sculptures. Slant is witty, imaginative and thought provoking re-interpretations of favourite artworks by Irish illustrators. Image 31, from The Association of Illustrators (AOI) presents the best of British contemporary illustration, the most prestigious and comprehensive illustration award show in the UK today.
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Speaking at the exhibition opening, Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland paid tribute to all involved in bringing these shows to Belfast and explained why the Arts Council of Northern Ireland supports the Ormeau Baths Gallery, “Part of the Arts Council’s remit is to expand the range of opportunities for people to enjoy the arts. Illustration is a hugely influential, relevant and accessible art form in all our daily lives. International, high quality work, such ‘The Last Riot’, raises the profile of the arts and has the potential to provide new educational opportunities for local people and visitors alike. Along with ‘Last Riot’, we have two very different but equally fascinating exhibitions, ‘Image 31’ and ‘Slant’. All three are absorbing and challenging in their own ways, and I’ve no doubt that everyone visiting the gallery over the coming months will find a great deal to enjoy here, and be left with much to ponder over.”
AES+F are Russian artists Tatiana Arzamasova, Lev Evzovich, Evgeny Svyatsky and Vladimir Fridkes. The Illustrators' Guild of Ireland supports the development of illustration in Ireland and fosters links with similar organisations, at home and abroad.
Describing the work in the Gallery, Peter Hutchinson, Interim Chairman, Ormeau Baths Gallery, said “On behalf of the OBG Board and Gallery I am delighted to have the ‘AES&F Last Riot’ exhibition from Russia – on display in Belfast – the only Gallery in Ireland showing these works – The wall images video and sculptural centre piece are an experience not to be missed – along side it are the two exhibitions of the best of Illustration from both Ireland & Great Britain – ‘Slant’ and ‘Images 31’ – they show the remarkable range of work embraced and celebrated under the ‘umbrella’ of illustration – together they are part of our evolving programme of exhibitions run in the Gallery – alongside is the refurbishment of the Gallery space recently started / as yet incomplete – we aim to improve the facilities and The Space for a better visitor experience in the very near future – I hope you enjoy your visit to the Gallery and the exhibitions on show”.
