‘A strange and exotic presence in Irish art’, ‘standing alone’, ‘very un-Irish’, Patrick Hennessy RHA (1915-80), was one of Ireland’s most successful post-war realist painters but one whose work puzzled the critics writing in Dublin in the 60s and 70s. At a time when people were persecuted for their sexual orientation, Hennessy made works containing narratives of homosexual life that align him with the emerging queer-art movement of the 1970s. This exhibition re-examines and repositions Hennessy’s work as part of the IMMA Modern Irish Masters Series.

Visitors are advised that this exhibition contains nudity.

Sun 10 April, 3 – 4pm / Johnston Suite / FREE

Modern Irish Masters Series | Patrick Hennessy, De Profundis

Seán Kissane (Curator, Exhibitions, IMMA) presents a keynote lecture offering a new perspective on the work of Irish artist Patrick Hennessy. This talk will give rich insights into Hennessy’s images which address themes such as war, religion, gender and sexuality. This is a free event but places are limited.

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