ABOUT THE ARTIST AND HIS ART
TWO SCULPTURES BY MIKE DUHAN - RINCA 1 PLUS THE FAT LADY SWINGS [SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 2013]
Mike Duhan is a prominent Irish sculptor whose career, spanning several decades, has been dedicated to the exploration of the human form. Through his predominantly bronze sculptures, Duhan delves into the timeless and universal aspects of the human condition, deliberately eschewing contemporary trends to create work that he intends to be "post-contemporary." His association with Sculpture in Context, a significant platform for three-dimensional art in Ireland, has further solidified his position within the Irish artistic landscape.
Born in Limerick in 1956, Duhan's artistic journey began at the Limerick School of Art and Design. He has since become a respected figure in the Dublin arts scene, having been a long-standing member of Temple Bar Gallery + Studios. His work has been widely exhibited across Ireland in esteemed venues such as the Solomon Gallery, Gormley Gallery, and SO Fine Art Editions.
Artistic Style and Philosophy
Duhan's artistic practice is firmly rooted in the figurative tradition. He almost exclusively depicts the human figure, often in dynamic and expressive poses that convey a sense of movement, emotion, and interaction. A recurring theme in his work is the exploration of humanity's shared experiences – joy, sorrow, struggle, and transcendence.
In his own words, Duhan aims to create art that is "timeless" and not bound to a specific era. He achieves this by presenting his figures unadorned by clothing or contemporary artefacts, allowing the raw emotion and physicality of the form to take centre stage. His artist statements reveal a deep-seated belief in the power of art to articulate the intangible aspects of human existence. He sees his work as a "diary of mankind's journey," a visual language that can communicate across generations.
His chosen medium of bronze, a material with a long and storied history in the annals of sculpture, further underscores his commitment to creating enduring works of art. The casting process allows him to capture the intricate details and subtle nuances of the human form, from the tension of a muscle to the gentle curve of a limb.
Career Highlights and Recognition
Throughout his career, Mike Duhan has garnered significant recognition for his contributions to Irish sculpture. He has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions, and his work is held in private and corporate collections both in Ireland and internationally. While a comprehensive list of his participation in every exhibition is not readily available, his consistent presence in prominent Irish galleries speaks to the enduring appeal and quality of his work.
Association with Sculpture in Context
Sculpture in Context is a celebrated annual exhibition held in the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin, providing a unique opportunity for artists to display their work in a stunning natural environment. The event is a cornerstone of the Irish arts calendar, showcasing a diverse range of contemporary sculpture.
Mike Duhan's association with Sculpture in Context is evident through his participation in an exhibition of works by artists from the event, held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Dublin in 2013-14. This connection highlights his standing within the community of sculptors celebrated by this prestigious organisation. While a complete, year-by-year history of his involvement is not publicly documented, his inclusion in this ancillary exhibition underscores his relevance and contribution to the broader landscape of contemporary Irish sculpture that Sculpture in Context champions. The exhibition provides a vital platform for established and emerging artists, and Duhan's work aligns with its commitment to showcasing excellence in three-dimensional art.
In conclusion, Mike Duhan's career is a testament to the enduring power of figurative sculpture. His unwavering focus on the human form and its capacity to convey profound emotional and philosophical truths has established him as a significant voice in Irish art. His association with institutions like Sculpture in Context further cements his legacy as a dedicated and respected practitioner of his craft.
Mike Duhan is a prominent Irish sculptor whose career, spanning several decades, has been dedicated to the exploration of the human form. Through his predominantly bronze sculptures, Duhan delves into the timeless and universal aspects of the human condition, deliberately eschewing contemporary trends to create work that he intends to be "post-contemporary." His association with Sculpture in Context, a significant platform for three-dimensional art in Ireland, has further solidified his position within the Irish artistic landscape.
Born in Limerick in 1956, Duhan's artistic journey began at the Limerick School of Art and Design. He has since become a respected figure in the Dublin arts scene, having been a long-standing member of Temple Bar Gallery + Studios. His work has been widely exhibited across Ireland in esteemed venues such as the Solomon Gallery, Gormley Gallery, and SO Fine Art Editions.
Artistic Style and Philosophy
Duhan's artistic practice is firmly rooted in the figurative tradition. He almost exclusively depicts the human figure, often in dynamic and expressive poses that convey a sense of movement, emotion, and interaction. A recurring theme in his work is the exploration of humanity's shared experiences – joy, sorrow, struggle, and transcendence.
In his own words, Duhan aims to create art that is "timeless" and not bound to a specific era. He achieves this by presenting his figures unadorned by clothing or contemporary artefacts, allowing the raw emotion and physicality of the form to take centre stage. His artist statements reveal a deep-seated belief in the power of art to articulate the intangible aspects of human existence. He sees his work as a "diary of mankind's journey," a visual language that can communicate across generations.
His chosen medium of bronze, a material with a long and storied history in the annals of sculpture, further underscores his commitment to creating enduring works of art. The casting process allows him to capture the intricate details and subtle nuances of the human form, from the tension of a muscle to the gentle curve of a limb.
Career Highlights and Recognition
Throughout his career, Mike Duhan has garnered significant recognition for his contributions to Irish sculpture. He has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions, and his work is held in private and corporate collections both in Ireland and internationally. While a comprehensive list of his participation in every exhibition is not readily available, his consistent presence in prominent Irish galleries speaks to the enduring appeal and quality of his work.
Association with Sculpture in Context
Sculpture in Context is a celebrated annual exhibition held in the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin, providing a unique opportunity for artists to display their work in a stunning natural environment. The event is a cornerstone of the Irish arts calendar, showcasing a diverse range of contemporary sculpture.
Mike Duhan's association with Sculpture in Context is evident through his participation in an exhibition of works by artists from the event, held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Dublin in 2013-14. This connection highlights his standing within the community of sculptors celebrated by this prestigious organisation. While a complete, year-by-year history of his involvement is not publicly documented, his inclusion in this ancillary exhibition underscores his relevance and contribution to the broader landscape of contemporary Irish sculpture that Sculpture in Context champions. The exhibition provides a vital platform for established and emerging artists, and Duhan's work aligns with its commitment to showcasing excellence in three-dimensional art.
In conclusion, Mike Duhan's career is a testament to the enduring power of figurative sculpture. His unwavering focus on the human form and its capacity to convey profound emotional and philosophical truths has established him as a significant voice in Irish art. His association with institutions like Sculpture in Context further cements his legacy as a dedicated and respected practitioner of his craft.