In conjunction with The Irish Society Gemma Gallagher curates the first-ever exhibition of Irish artists in the region
In an exciting milestone for the art scene in Dubai, Gemma Gallagher, an artist and curator with over a decade of experience living in the UAE, has collaborated with the Dubai Irish Society to curate the first-ever exhibition of Irish artists in the region.
Hosted at the Courtyard Gallery, the exhibition, ‘Spirit of Ireland Arts,’ marked a significant cultural moment, bridging the rich traditions of Ireland with the dynamic art scene in Dubai.
Bridging gaps in the art scene
As a curator, the Belfast native has witnessed the UAE’s art scene evolve rapidly, with art fairs, global galleries, and spaces like Alserkal Avenue emerging as cultural hotspots.
Yet, she noticed a gap in opportunities for emerging artists. Reflecting on her early career in Ireland and London, where she was supported by galleries and artist-led initiatives, Gallagher was inspired to create a platform for new voices in art.
“I’ve always believed that the art world thrives when emerging artists have a space to experiment and grow,” Gallagher says.
“Living in Ireland and London, I had the privilege of being supported by galleries that gave me the chance to show my work early on. That kind of opportunity didn’t seem as prevalent in the UAE for new artists, so I wanted to create something that would fill that gap.”
Her goal was to bring this experience to the UAE, offering both established and emerging artists – herself included – a chance to showcase their work in a meaningful way.
A conversation with Billy Garnon, director of the Dubai Irish Society, confirmed that they shared a similar vision: to support Irish artists and creators in the UAE.
This sparked the collaboration that would bring “Spirit of Ireland Arts” to life, allowing the Irish community and a global audience to experience contemporary Irish creativity in a fresh and dynamic way.
An unfiltered snapshot of Irish art
For this groundbreaking exhibition, Gallagher decided to avoid imposing a specific theme. Instead, she wanted the exhibition to provide an authentic, unfiltered view of contemporary Irish art.
“We didn’t want to limit the artists or the audience by creating too many boundaries,” she explains. “I felt it was important to present an authentic snapshot of Irish art; unfiltered and free of constraints. It’s about showcasing how diverse and experimental Irish art is right now.”
Open to all Irish artists based in the UAE, the exhibition featured a diverse selection of works across multiple mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, and digital media. The result was a dynamic presentation that encapsulated the evolving landscape of Irish art today.
Rather than focusing on traditional representations, the exhibition embraced experimentation. It conveyed that Irish art today is deeply connected to both its rich history and its innovative future.
Art as a catalyst for cultural exchange
In a multicultural city like Dubai, where over 200 nationalities coexist, showcasing Irish art plays a crucial role in fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
As Gaemma notes, art is a universal language, offering a window into the stories, traditions, and perspectives of different cultures.
“Art is a bridge between people,” she says. “It transcends language and cultural differences, allowing us to connect on a deeper level. With Dubai being such a melting pot of cultures, it felt like the perfect place to showcase Irish art and initiate these conversations.”
‘Spirit of Ireland Arts’ did just that, allowing both the Irish community and the broader public to connect with Ireland’s artistic heritage and its vibrant contemporary scene.
Looking forward, Gallagher sees the exhibition as just the beginning of more significant cultural exchanges between Ireland and the UAE.
“Next year, as we celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the UAE, this exhibition takes on even more significance,” she reflects.
“It’s about building bridges, not just between Ireland and the UAE, but between all cultures through the shared experience of art.”
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Overcoming challenges with community support
While Gallagher faced few challenges in bringing this exhibition to fruition, she credits the UAE’s creative landscape and its supportive community for making the process seamless. “I can’t speak highly enough about the support we received from the Courtyard Gallery and the Dubai Irish Society. Their enthusiasm and belief in this project made it all possible,” she says.
The opening night was a resounding success, with the gallery packed to capacity and over 100 guests from diverse backgrounds, including representatives from the Irish Embassy, showing their support.
“The energy in the room was amazing. We had people from all walks of life, all different nationalities, and the response was overwhelmingly positive,” Gallagher shares.
The enthusiastic response has led to more exciting initiatives for the future, with Gallagher and the Irish Society already planning bigger cultural events for the coming year. The success of the exhibition proved that there is a growing interest in contemporary art in the UAE, and the appetite for cross-cultural dialogue is stronger than ever.
Inspiring a new perspective on Irish art
Gallagher hopes that visitors left the exhibition with a deeper appreciation for the diversity and dynamism of contemporary Irish art.
“I wanted visitors to leave with a new perspective on Irish art; not just the stereotypical images, but a deeper understanding of how diverse, experimental, and exciting the current Irish art scene is,” she says.
“It was about discovery; uncovering exciting new voices in the art world and fostering a deeper connection with the artists behind the work. The response we received has been incredible, and it’s only the beginning.”
The exhibition sparked conversations about the relevance of emerging artists and made art more accessible to a broader audience, encouraging people to engage with galleries and connect with artists in a more meaningful way.
A new chapter for Irish art in the UAE
As the UAE’s art scene continues to thrive, initiatives like ‘Spirit of Ireland Arts’ contribute to a greater understanding of global cultures and foster dialogue between different artistic traditions.
With a shared commitment to celebrating Irish creativity, Gallagher and the Dubai Irish Society have set the stage for even greater cultural exchange in the years to come.
For those who missed the exhibition, there’s no need to worry; this is just the beginning of an exciting journey for Irish art in the UAE.
Stay tuned for future exhibitions and events that continue to break new ground and celebrate the power of art to unite communities across the world.
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