The Olivier Cornet Gallery is delighted to announce that the group show ‘A Terrible beauty’ which the gallery presented at Vue 2014 (National Contemporary Art Fair at the RHA) in early November 2014 will be shown at the Octagonal Room by kind invitation of the Irish Georgian Society.

This touring exhibition is a response to the photographic work of Olivier Cornet’s great grand uncle François Bost who served World War I as a photographer. It features works by the following gallery artists: Michelle Byrne, Hugh Cummins, Mark Doherty, Conrad Frankel, John Fitzsimons, Jordi Forniés, Eoin Mac Lochlainn, Yanny Petters, Kelly Ratchford, Hanneke van Ryswyk, and Adrienne Symes.

The show does not confine itself to any one conflict but instead reflects the artists’ responses to calamities and tragedies of all kinds, including war, and their consequences.

The show is accompanied by an essay by arts writer Cathy Dillon.

A special event, in connection with the show A Terrible Beauty, will take place on Sunday March 1st, 4 pm (at the Octagonal Room) with the story teller Jean Ryan:

Jean Ryan is interested in art works where the artist was influenced by a story, it could be a myth, fable, fairy tale, legend, folk tale, play or a poem. Her aim is to foster a connection between the viewer and the work of art. This is achieved by telling the story which influenced the artist and encouraging the listeners to choose the moment in the story which resonated with them and how they would depict it if they were the artist.

This empowers the viewer to create their own ‘moments’ which will be different to that of the artist. Hopefully this ‘difference’ will result in a connection between the viewer and the piece of art which was based on narrative.

Jean has collaborated with ceramist Annika Berglund on Culture Night 2014 in The Olivier Cornet Gallery and is currently in Dublin Castle where she is introducing listeners to art in the Castle through the stories they are based on. Jean is looking forward to working in the Chester Beatty Library in May 2015.

Link to event on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/616269098517642/