On the first Thursday of every month, many of Belfast’s galleries and studios stay up late so that audiences can enjoy after-hours access to some of the finest visual art that the city has to offer. A great post-work social activity to enjoy by yourself or with friends and family, embrace the atmosphere of Late Night Art and immerse yourself in Belfast’s art scene. Participants can expect to see media from across the visual arts, including painting, sculpture, photography, illustration, craft, video, and performance, and no two Late Night Art experiences are ever the same!

Belfast artist Gerry Gleason is known for provocative artwork that he creates in response to the political and social climate in Northern Ireland. His mixed-media pieces embody the turmoil of the recent past and serve as a potent visual commentary on the waste, violence, and societal fracture caused by the conflict in this region during the Troubles.

The Skip Sculptures series explores themes of violence, identity, and the resilience of communities amidst destruction. Gleason’s Skip Sculptures (1992) follow the progress of the infamous character ‘Billy the Kid’, inspired by watching westerns as a young child growing up in Belfast. The sculptures are constructed from found remnants of the conflict: broken metal; burnt wood; and other discarded materials retrieved from skips outside bombed buildings in the 90’s. This unique choice of materials suggests that the immediate remnants of violence and division were constantly reshaping the lives of ordinary people in Northern Ireland. The sculptures reflect the fragmentation of the time, acting as a powerful metaphor for the discarded lives and hopes of a community trapped in conflict.

We’re delighted that Gerry will be with us on Thursday night to talk about his work. Please join us then.