Winter Salon

25th Anniversary Exhibition

Preview and Party: Tuesday November 18th 2008, 6-10pm
Exhibition continues 19th November– 20th December

Temple Bar Gallery and Studios plays a vital and enduring role in the cultural life of the city. This year, TBG&S celebrates its 25th birthday. To mark this special occasion, a group exhibition on a grand scale will open on Tuesday November 18th. Winter Salon will feature new work by over one hundred and twenty artists both established and emerging, most of whom have enjoyed a connection with this organisation over the years.

Winter Salon aims to recreate the atmosphere of a salon in a contemporary setting. Historically (and particularly in France), salons were extremely important as a place for the exchange of ideas. Women were central to how the salon was conducted and in times when formal avenues of education were reserved for men, the salon was a means by which intelligent women could pursue and develop their intellectual interests. Many original art pieces were commissioned specifically for presentation at the salon. In some instances, as in the case of France’s renowned ‘Salon d’Autumne’, the salon exhibitions became a showcase for reflecting the latest developments and innovations in 20th century painting and sculpture.

In keeping with the salon theme, all artists participating in Winter Salon have made new work and the line up includes such familiar names as Robert Armstrong, Liam Belton, Barrie Cooke, Diana Copperwhite, Felim Egan, John Gerrard and Joy Gerrard as well as newcomers, Neal Jones, Mie Olise Kjaergaard and Joep Overtoom. The artworks (all wall-based) will be hung salon-style against a backdrop that evokes the atmosphere of “traditional” salon exhibitions. A hugely versatile array of contemporary art will be presented with some work clearly reflective of the innovative spirit of the younger generation balanced by the gravitas and characteristic styles of their more established counterparts.

The work of all artists will be presented on a ‘no name’ basis on the preview evening, Tuesday 18th November, leaving it to the buyer to rely on their own taste and discernment in spotting a contemporary 21st century masterpiece. The sale, to be conducted by silent auction, will take place the evening of Tuesday 18th, from 6-9pm, with remarkably low reserves set at just €300, €600 and €900. The Winter Salon opening on November 18th will be a grand occasion with a large attendance of artists and of course, a buying clientele. Winter Salon continues until 20th December.

Press Contact: Rayne Booth - Temple Bar Gallery & Studios - t. + 353 1 671 0073 - e. press@templebargallery.com