Art students visit Belfast exhibitions
- Posted by Fearghal Quinn
- Posted in School News, Uncategorized
Celebrating 80 Years of David Hockney at the MAC and RUA Exhibition with past pupil Comghgall Casey
On Friday 14th October 2016 our GCSE and GCE Art and Design students in partnership with Loreto Grammar Art & Design students, enjoyed an educational trip to visit two major exhibition centres on the Arts scene in Belfast.
The morning began with a visit to the work of British born artist Keith Wilson, to view his ‘Calendar’ Sculpture Installation in the Metropolitan Arts Centre in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast. This was followed by a one-time opportunity and tour of the prestigious and first significant presentation of the world famous David Hockney’s work in Ireland, to mark the influential British artist’s 80th year. Students got to see Hockney’s early college work and rarely seen anatomical and observational drawings and early graphite portraits from the 1950s. In contrast our students also enjoyed the artists creative use of new technologies through his ipad artworks, demonstrating Hockney’s continued interest in pushing the boundaries of his practice in his later years.
In the afternoon students then moved on to the Ulster Museum in Botanic Gardens, to the opening of the Royal Ulster Academy’s 135th Annual Exhibition showcasing original artworks by emerging and established artists.
Pupils had the opportunity to meet and talk to two of the contributory artists to the RUA exhibition, Eilis O’ Connell and our very own CBS past pupil Comhghall Casey. Students really appreciated this opportunity of mingling alongside the artists whilst developing an appreciation of their work.
Of particular value was meeting past pupil Comhghall Casey, who took time out from his busy schedule to talk to students and pose for a photo.
A thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all.