Sculpture in Context 2021 at the National Botanic Gardens

2nd September to 15th October

http://www.sculptureincontext.com/

Communicating environmental issues through the Arts can be a powerful way to explain the impacts we are having on our planet and install positive behaviour change. To mark Dublin Climate Action Week 2021, the Dublin Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) were delighted to sponsor three awards in the Sculpture in Context 2021 exhibition at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin which runs from 2nd September to 15th October.

Sculpture in Context is a pivotal event in the Irish arts calendar and as the longest running, largest and most important sculpture exhibition in the country, the annual exhibition attracts a large public and critical audience and is the cultural highlight of the National Botanic Gardens calendar.  This year Sculpture in Context will celebrate 35 years exhibiting and promoting sculpture in Ireland.

Bringing together the work of over 120 artists using an incredible range of media these works of art represent the richly diverse character of Irish and International contemporary sculpture today. From the smallest, most intricate ceramic works to stone sculptures of a monumental scale, visitors to the exhibition will be enriched by the experience of viewing such inspiring works in one location.

The artistic integrity and technical skill involved in creating the works is evident throughout and highlights the breadth and depth of artistic talent and skill in Ireland today.

Sculpture receives a spectacular presentation in the National Botanic Gardens and throughout the 50 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds you will discover sculpture in the most unexpected and surprising places.

It was a difficult task to choose awards from such a variety of sculptures but the following three pieces were chosen for either the sustainability of the material used in the pieces, the message that the piece conveys about environmental issues or the response to experiencing the sculpture in situ in the Gardens.

• Sculpture Title: Ocean View 

  Artist: Niamh Synnott

• Sculpture Title: Climate Changed  Artist: Dirk Hudson

• Sculpture Title:  Us

  Artist: Penelope Lacey

Congrats to all participants of the exhibition. If you haven’t been to the Botanic Gardens in a while, now is a great time to enjoy the late summer blooms on display and the sculptures on display throughout the gardens. Enjoy!