In this exhibition of new work, celebrated Irish sculptor John Behan continues with themes of emigration and the displacement of people, and imagery which depicts the plight of current day migrants and refugees. Over the past two years Behan has made frequent visits to Athens to volunteer at Camp Eleonas, a Greek state-run centre for migrants, delivering art workshops to adults and children arriving into Europe from Iraq, Syria and sub-Saharan Africa. This exhibition includes new works made in response to these experiences alongside examples of Behan's now-iconic Famine Ships and Oarboats.

 

Due to the latest Level 5 restrictions, JOHN BEHAN's exhibition will be presented online-only until which time we can re-open our doors and welcome collectors and visitors back to the gallery.  In the meantime, please click the video link below for a virtual tour of the exhibition or scroll further down to view individual artwork photos and prices:

 

 

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 is known for his remarkable and numerous public sculptures, such as the monumental ‘National Famine Memorial’ in County Mayo and the life-size ‘Arrival’ ship sited outside the United Nations building in New York – a gift to the UN from the Irish Government in 2000 (see below). His work is included in many private collections including that of President Michael D Higgins, former Presidents Mary McAleese & Mary Robinson, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and Bill & Hillary Clinton; also Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane, the Crawford Municipal Gallery and the National Gallery of Ireland. SCROLL DOWN THIS PAGE FOR MORE INFO.  

 

Due to public health restrictions preventing most people from travel, we would like to offer alternative ways of viewing the exhibition;

- view the video above or click here: https://solomon-web-g6.artlogic.net/exhibitions/53-john-behan-rha-migrants/video/

- please telephone us on +353 (0)86 8142380 if you'd like us to bring artworks on appro to your home or workplace;

- we can walk you around the exhibition via Zoom/Skype/FaceTime video call;  

- you can view the exhibition 24 hours a day through our shopfront windows;

- or we will be in the gallery throughout the week operating a 'Click & Collect' service if you have any queries. 

 

Once restrictions are lifted, we hope to have a 'finissage' event with the artist John Behan present to meet guests and collectors on Thursday 3 December.  Please subscribe to our mailing list for more info.      

 

* Worldwide packing & shipping service available

 

 

JOHN BEHAN: MIGRANTS