The reason for our visit was to see the “Sculpture in Context Exhibition 2021” which runs from the 2nd of September to the 15th of October. Sculpture in Context is a pivotal event in the Irish arts calendar and is the longest running, largest and most important sculpture exhibition in the country. The annual exhibition attracts a large public and critical audience and is the cultural highlight of the National Botanic Gardens calendar.
Approximately two-thirds of the 164 pieces are displayed in the grounds. and we tried to find as many as we could. In fact, we found 40 of them during the time we were there.
These sculptures were of a variety of things such as animals and flowers from the most intricate ceramic works to stone sculptures of a monumental scale.
This year “Sculpture in Context 2021” celebrates 35 years exhibiting and promoting sculpture in Ireland. Exhibiting artists included – Sara Cunningham-Bell, Remco de Fouw, Maree Hensey, Penelope Lacey and Martin O’Keefe.
Overall I really enjoyed this trip to the National Botanic Gardens and would really recommend it to people of all ages.
By Sophie Duffner (Dargan 4)
Photos courtesy of Abbie Lyons ( Duchesne)