JOHN BEHAN RHA: Migrants

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 immigrants 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.

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.  

With the latest Level 5 lockdown restrictions, we regret that this forthcoming JOHN BEHAN exhibition will be presented online-only until which time we can re-open our doors again.  Please telephone us on +353 (0)86 8142380 if you'd like to arrange a private viewing by appointment or see the exhibition in real time via Zoom/FaceTime video call. Or if you live or work in the Dublin area, we can also deliver works out on appro to your home or workplace.   

* Worldwide packing & shipping service available