Crawford graduates reunite for anniversary exhibition

This February, artists who first met at Crawford College of Art in Cork in 1997 will reunite for a unique 25-year exhibition at MTU Gallery.

The show brings together 14 college friends, each presenting new work which reflects how their practice has grown and shifted since their college days.

The exhibition spans painting, printmaking, photography, mixed media, highlighting both the individuality of each artist and the shared roots that connect them. 

Speaking about the exhibition, artist Hilary Kinahan said: “This reunion is a celebration of connection. It shows how strong the bond between us was and how it has lasted through the years.

Memories

“Seeing everyone’s work together, sharing space and memories, reminds us that those formative experiences continue to influence and inspire us.

“A very special part of the show is the inclusion of works by our classmates Eamon Gray and Carol James, who are sadly no longer with us. Their sculptural pieces are included to keep them close and to remember how much they were loved by all of us.

“Having their work in the exhibition feels natural and right, a way of honouring their memory and the friendships that shaped our early years.”

Mature student 

Ms James, who passed away in September 2022, came to Crawford College as a mature student, having spent most of her life in the theatre where she worked as both an actor and a writer.

Her sculptural works were all created with natural objects — leaves, bark, wood, and even seaweed.

Mr Gray, who passed away in October 2022, studied Fine Art at Crawford from 1997 to 2002.

While at college, he entered medals into the British Arts Medal Society Student Medal Project, winning a prize in 2001 with Dual Aspects, and again in 2002 with Tsuba; the latter was subsequently acquired by the British Museum.

The exhibition will be open to the public from this Thursday at MTU Gallery, 46 Grand Parade. 

Admission is free.