John Behan RHA
John Behan RHA is firmly established as a sculptor of international stature and can be credited with playing a major part in the development of sculpture in Ireland over the last fifty years. Born in Dublin in 1938, he began an apprenticeship in metalwork and welding before moving on to formal training at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, Ealing Art College in London and the Royal Academy School in Oslo. He has been awarded many honours over the years and became a member of the Royal Hibernian Academy in 1990, having been an Associate of the Academy since 1973. He is also a member of Aosdána and was conferred an honorary Doctor of Literature by NUI Galway in 2000.
Behan’s work is highly expressive; his pieces are marked by an initially perceived roughness that quickly melts into a surprising delicacy of form. Crafted in a white or brown patina or with a polished bronze surface, each piece is as individual and captivating as the next, reflecting often-difficult themes of Irish history and identity in a remarkably subtle way.
Behan is known for his remarkable and numerous public sculptures, such as the vast ‘National Famine Memorial’ in County Mayo (26 x 20ft) or ‘Arrival’ (21 x 24ft) sited at the United Nations building in New York. His work is included in many private collections including that of Mary McAleese, Mary Robinson, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and Bill and Hillary Clinton, also Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane, the Crawford Municipal Gallery and the National Gallery of Ireland.
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John Behan RHAAchill Famine Shipbronze, unique75 x 58 x 30cm
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John Behan RHAAustralian Girl Boatbronze, unique69 x 90 x 36 cm
(base plate 43 x 16cm) -
John Behan RHABantry Famine Shipbronze, unique65 x 85 x 28cm
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John Behan RHABLMbronze, unique57 x 37 x 21 cm
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John Behan RHABroighter Boatbronze71 x 66 x 35 cm
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John Behan RHAChild Crawls Under Wirebronze, unique40.5 x 40.5 x 61cm
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John Behan RHACorrib Oar Boatbronze, edition of 934 x 30 x 20.5cmEdition of 9 plus 2 artist's proofs
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John Behan RHADesert Migrantsbronze, unique42 x 59 x 42 cm
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John Behan RHAFamily Coming Ashorebronze, unique16 x 12 x 9cm
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John Behan RHAFamine Treebronze, unique71 x 38 x 33cm
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John Behan RHAGalway Oarboatbronze, edition of 933 x 41.5 x 20cmEdition of 9 plus 1 artist's proof
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John Behan RHAMan Pulling Boat Ashorebronze, unique41 x 61 x 31cm
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John Behan RHAMigrantbronze, unique45.5 x 28 x 20.5cm
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John Behan RHARefugee Washing in a Barrelbronze, unique43 x 16 x 17cm
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John Behan RHARescue at Seabronze, unique25 x 84 x 40cm
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John Behan RHARough Crossingbronze, unique39 x 55 x 28 cm
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John Behan RHARough Landing Lesbosbronze, unique15 x 43 x 33 cm
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John Behan RHAShelter IIbronze, unique40 x 37 x 20cm
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John Behan RHASunboatbronze, unique72 x 47 x 18cm
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John Behan RHAWar Victimsbronze, unique46 x 23 x 15cm
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John Behan RHAWild Swans at Coolebronze70 x 35 x 38 cm
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John Behan RHALake Birdsbronze, edition of 997 x 53 x 55cmEdition of 9 plus 1 artist's proof
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John Behan RHAT.R. Birdsbronze, edition of 973 x 57 x 53cmEdition of 9 plus 1 artist's proof
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John Behan RHAWestport Famine Ship IIIbronze, edition of 346 x 64 x 27 cmEdition of 3
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John Behan RHARefugee Washing, Serbiabronze, unique44 x 25 x 17 cm
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John Behan RHAEmigrant Boatbronze, unique31 x 36 x 15.5cm
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John Behan RHAWild Swans at Coolebronze76 x 71 x 46.5 cmedition no. 3/9
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John Behan RHAThe Bull of Easter IBronze20.50h x 40.80w x 16d cmedition of 9
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John Behan RHAAnniversary Famine Shipbronze, edition of 2548h x 46w x 22d cmEdition of 25
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John Behan RHASwan Neck Oar Boatbronze, edition of 950h x 37w x 21d cm
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John Behan RHAWinter Famine Ship IIbronze75 x 65 x 36 cmEdition of 9
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John Behan RHAThe Dispossessedbronze, unique22 x 41 x 10 cm
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John Behan RHARoger CasementAcrylic on linen30.50h x 81w cm
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John Behan RHAArrival, Grosse Îlebronze, edition of 964 x 59 x 28cm
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John Behan RHAMIgrant Boatbronze, unique34 x 43 x 38cm
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John Behan RHAFamine Ship MayoBronze, edition of 964h x 70w x 24d cmEdition of 9
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John Behan RHABroighter Boat IIbronze, edition of 924 x 29 x 29cmEdition of 9
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John Behan RHAAncestral Oar Boat IIIbronze, unique61 x 51 x 11.5cm
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John Behan RHALong Oar Boatbronze, edition 1/948 x 30 x 58cmedition of 9
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John Behan RHAGolden Bullbronze, unique46 x 70 x 20cm
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John Behan RHASyrian Shepherd Boy: Migrant 100BC, 2018bronze, unique38 x 17 x 13 cm
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John Behan RHASquare Rib Boat, Migrants, 2018bronze, unique28 x 50 x 39cm
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John Behan RHABehind the Wire, Lesbosbronze, unique53 x 40 x 30cm
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John Behan RHASans (Seven Ages of Bull)bronze, unique32 x 64 x 16 cm
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John Behan RHALean & Slippered (Seven Ages of Bull)bronze, unique35 x 50 x 11 cm
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John Behan RHAMigrant Boat, off Sicilybronze, unique32 x 60 x 29.5 cm
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John Behan RHASpirit Wheeled Boatbronze, unique46 x 41.5 x 14.5 cm
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John Behan RHASyrian Rib Boatbronze, unique20.5 x 58 x 23 cm
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John Behan RHAL.T. Famine Shipbronze, unique68 x 63.5 x 28 cm
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John Behan RHAAngled Oarboatbronze, unique41.5 x 59 x 19.5 cm
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John Behan RHAAncestral Wheeled Oarboatbronze, unique64.5 x 47.5 x 11 cm
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John Behan RHAMediterranean Rib Boatbronze, unique24 x 40 x 27cm
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John Behan RHA38 Sheriff Street Bull, 2018bronze, edition of 3815.5 x 25 x 13 cmEdition of 38
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John Behan RHAVincent Van Goghbronze, edition of 955 x 22 x 20 cmedition of 9
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John Behan RHAOyster Oarboat29 x 37 x 28.5 cmEdition of 9
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John Behan RHAThe Wild Swans at Coolebronze, edition of 976 x 71 x 46.5cmEdition of 9 plus 1 artist's proof
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John Behan RHATwo Dove Oar Boat (large)bronze, edition of 950h x 54w x 22d cmEdition of 9
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Winter Group Show
Gallery & Invited artists 26 Nov - 23 Dec 2020Solomon Fine Art is delighted to hold its annual Winter Group Show. The exhibition which runs right up to Christmas will showcase painting, sculpture and print by a range of...Read more -
JOHN BEHAN RHA
MIGRANTS 30 Oct - 21 Nov 2020Following on from his 2018 exhibition The Seven Ages of Man the work in this new exhibition continues with themes and imagery which depict the plight of current day migrants...Read more -
SUMMER GROUP SHOW
Gallery & Invited Artists 30 Jul - 29 Aug 2020An extensive and varied exhibition offering a vibrant mix of painting, sculpture and print by Ireland’s leading artists including Margo Banks, John Behan, Leah Beggs, Comhghall Casey, Tom Climent, Eamon...Read more -
SUMMER GROUP SHOW
Gallery & Invited artists 5 - 28 Jun 2020Solomon Fine Art is delighted to re-open its doors and welcome visitors back to gallery after the long COVID-19 lockdown. From Monday 8 June, our opening hours will be 11am...Read more -
WINTER GROUP SHOW
Gallery & Invited Artists 29 Nov - 23 Dec 2019Solomon Fine Art is delighted to hold its annual Winter Group Show. The exhibition which runs right up to Christmas will showcase painting, sculpture and print by a range of...Read more -
VUE
NATIONAL CONTEMPORARY ART FAIR 2019 8 - 10 Nov 2019VUE, Ireland's National Contemporary Art Fair takes place this year at the RHA, 15 Ely Place, Dublin 2. Solomon Fine Art will again be participating, along with the Taylor Galleries,...Read more -
SUMMER GROUP SHOW
Gallery & Invited artists 9 - 31 Aug 2019Solomon is delighted to host its annual Summer Group Exhibition. Painting, sculpture and print by some of Irelands leading artists including John Behan RHA, Jean Bardon, Leah Beggs, Cheryl Brown,...Read more -
SPRING GROUP SHOW
Gallery & Invited Artists 12 Apr - 11 May 2019PLEASE NOTE THE GALLERY WILL BE CLOSED FROM FRIDAY APRIL 19TH - TUESDAY 23RD FOR THE EASTER WEEKEND Solomon Fine Art is delighted to host its annual Spring Group Exhibition....Read more -
Winter Group Exhibition 2018
Gallery & Invited artists 23 Nov - 22 Dec 2018Solomon Fine Art is delighted to hold its annual Winter Group Show. The exhibition which runs right up to Christmas will showcase painting, sculpture and print by a range of...Read more -
VUE National Contemporary Art Fair 2018
RHA Gallagher Gallery 1 - 4 Nov 2018VUE, Ireland's National Contemporary Art Fair takes place this year at the RHA, 15 Ely Place, Dublin 2. Solomon Fine Art will again be participating, along with the Taylor Galleries,...Read more -
John Behan RHA
Seven Ages of Man 26 Oct - 17 Nov 2018From Friday 26 October to Saturday 17 November Solomon Fine Art is delighted to celebrate Ireland’s finest sculptor John Behan’s 80th birthday with an exhibition of new bronzes and drawings....Read more -
Summer Group Show
Gallery & Invited artists 3 - 25 Aug 2018Solomon Fine Art is delighted to host its annual Summer Group Exhibition. This stunning mix of paintings, sculpture, drawing and print by Ireland’s leading artists includes work by Anthony Scott,...Read more -
Easter Group Exhibition
Gallery & Invited Artists 9 - 29 Mar 2018Solomon Fine Art is delighted to host its annual Easter Group Exhibition. A stunning mix of paintings, sculpture and print by Ireland’s leading artists including work by John Behan, Tom...Read more -
Winter Group Show
Gallery & Invited Artists 23 Nov 2017 - 27 Jan 2018 -
VUE Art Fair 2017
RHA Gallagher Gallery 3 - 5 Nov 2017VUE, Ireland's National Contemporary Art Fair takes place this year at the RHA, 15 Ely Place, Dublin 2. Solomon Fine Art will again be participating, along with the Taylor Galleries,...Read more
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GLOSS MAGAZINE: Artistic License
Interview with John Behan December 9, 2020Artistic License: John Behan by PENNY MCCORMICK AS IRELAND’S MOST RENOWNED CONTEMPORARY SCULPTOR JOHN BEHAN’S WORK OFTEN REFERENCES IRISH HISTORY. IN HIS NEW EXHIBITION “MIGRANTS”...Read more -
JOHN BEHAN RHA: NEW WORK UNVEILED BY PRESIDENT HIGGINS
President Higgins unveils new work in the offices of the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the UN October 1, 2019Irish President Michael D. Higgins unveiled a sculpture by Irish sculptor John Behan at the United Nations Headquarters in New York this week. 'Migrant Boat,...Read more -
JOHN BEHAN ON RTE NATIONWIDE
TV programme features interview with artists and a look inside the foundry February 8, 2019On Wednesday 6 February, RTÉ's Nationwide programme screened a special feature on artist John Behan, focusing on his current projects and his ongoing work with...Read more -
IMAGE MAGAZINE
Miranda's Diary features photos from Behan private view December 5, 2018
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NEAR FM: INTERVIEW WITH JOHN BEHAN
Barbara Jennings talks to sculptor John Behan about his exhibition at the Solomon November 7, 2018NEAR FM on 90.3FM Radio Interview Barbara Jennings talks to sculptor John Behan about his exhibition at the Solomon Gallery. Podcast: Play in new window...Read more -
Celebrate Behan at 80
Sunday Business Post November 4, 2018 -
John Behan - the weeks cultural highlight
RTÉ Radio 1’s Today Show November 2, 2018Culture Preview On RTE Radio 1’s Today Show, Miriam O’Callaghan (standing in for Sean O’Rourke) discussed the cultural highlights of the week with Edel Coffey,...Read more -
I Don't Give a Damn What Age I am, I still want to do this
John Behan interview in Sunday Independent October 28, 2018I don't give a damn what age I am, I want to do this...' As he approaches 80, sculptor John Behan is busier than...Read more
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Raging Bull Charges On
John Behan article in Sunday Times October 28, 2018Raging bull sculptor John Behan charges on The new exhibition from John Behan shows the sculptor has lost none of his anger at injustice John...Read more -
PRESIDENT MICHAEL D HIGGINS ATTENDS JOHN BEHAN OPENING
Social photos from the event - click main photo below to open slideshow October 26, 2018We had the immense honour of welcoming President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina to the gallery last night for the opening of John...Read more -
John Behan longlisted for Savills Prize
VUE Artfair October 8, 2018The list of nominees for the Savills Prize at VUE Art Fair 2018 (Nov 1-4, RHA Dublin) was revealed in the Sunday Business Post magazine...Read more -
John Behan Working With Migrants in Greece
Irish Sculptor Draws on Ireland's Painful Past June 20, 2018Greek Reporter: report by Declan McVeigh - June 20, 2018 An influential Irish sculptor whose creations have been inspired by his country’s traumatic experience of...Read more
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John Behan Review
Aidan Dunne, Irish Times October 21, 2016Behan sculpts a Rising vision Review: John Behan at the Solomon Tue, Nov 8, 2016, 06:00 Aidan Dunne John Behan’s “The Bull of Easter II”:...Read more -
Deconstructing John Behan
Irish Arts Review: interview with Brian McAvera November 1, 2013Technical developments enable artistic development’: John Behan reflects on the circumstances which spurred his move to sculpture, in conversation here with Brian McAvera B...Read more -
JOHN BEHAN: Retrospection
Sunday Times Review by Cristín Leach Hughes September 29, 2013 -
The Fine Art of Going Forward
Sunday Independent interview with John Behan September 8, 2013the fine art of going forward Emily Hourican 8 September 2013 Although approaching his 75th birthday, sculptor John Behan has the round, cherubic face of...Read more