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SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT

THIS EVENT IS BACK IN THE BOTANIC GARDENS

THE STORY BEHIND SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT
SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 8 SEPTEMBER 2025 VISIT
View A Sculpture By Ana Duncan A Seed With Wings At Sculpture In Context A Match For Life Sculpture The Bean At Sculpture In Context 2025

A new viral phenomenon known as "Nano Banana" has captured the attention of social media users worldwide. Contrary to what the name might suggest, this trend has nothing to do with miniature fruits or nanotechnology. Instead, "Nano Banana" is the catchy moniker for Google's powerful AI image-editing tool, officially named Gemini 2.5 Flash Image. This innovative technology allows users to transform their photos into hyper-realistic 3D figurines and much more, sparking a wave of creative and often amusing user-generated content.

Nano Banana Generated This From A Photograph Of A Sculpture

SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 2013

MIKE DUHAN

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.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NANO BANANA

THE ART AND THE SCULPTORS

I VISITED THE BOTANIC GARDENS A NUMBER OF TIMES IN SEPTEMBER

EMMA RUSHWORTH AND HER ART

Today I used a Sony A1 II combined with a Sony FE 70-200mm Macro GII lens and it was my first time to use this combination.

INFORMATION

8 SEPTEMBER 2025

VISIT THE GALLERY LEICA Q3 GALLERY ABOUT THE ARTIST

In the landscape of contemporary Irish sculpture, Emma Jane Rushworth occupies a unique and vital space. Working from her studio in the verdant surroundings of County Wicklow, she creates sculptures that capture the vital essence and spirit of wildlife through the unlikely medium of metal. Her work presents a compelling paradox: from hard, unyielding materials such as stainless steel and bronze, she coaxes forms that are fluid, animate, and imbued with a palpable sense of life. Her creations, which populate private gardens and public spaces across Ireland and the globe, are not static representations but dynamic portraits of character, movement, and emotion.  

CONAL O’CAOIMH AND HIS ART

Today I used a Sony A1 II combined with a Sony FE 70-200mm Macro GII lens and it was my first time to use this combination.

INFORMATION

8 SEPTEMBER 2025

VISIT THE GALLERY ABOUT THE ARTIST

n the contemporary landscape of Irish art, Conall O'Caoimh stands as a distinctive figure. He is a sculptor whose practice is not confined to the studio but extends into the very earth of his garden and the complex sphere of global politics. Based in Howth, the rugged peninsula flanking Dublin Bay, O'Caoimh has cultivated a creative life that weaves together his deepest commitments: a passion for global justice, an intimate connection with horticulture, and a profound dedication to sculpture.

A Seed With Wings Sculpture

ANNA DUNCAN AND HER ART

Today I used a Sony A1 II combined with a Sony FE 70-200mm Macro GII lens and it was my first time to use this combination.

INFORMATION

8 SEPTEMBER 2025

VISIT THE GALLERY ABOUT THE ARTIST THE 2013 EXHIBITION

Ana Duncan was born in Dublin. She works primarily in bronze and ceramic from her studio in Churchtown. Though the female figure has been a subject of focus, a recent body of work was inspired by patterns and forms in the natural world. Her main influences are the work of Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Botero, Picasso, F.E McWilliam, among others, and the simplicity of Brancusi.

I Really Like This Sculpture By Ana Duncan

BLESSING SANYANGA AND HIS ART

Today I used a Sony A1 II combined with a Sony FE 70-200mm Macro GII lens and it was my first time to use this combination.

INFORMATION

8 SEPTEMBER 2025

VISIT THE GALLERY ABOUT THE ARTIST

Blessing Sanyanga is a distinguished sculptor whose work offers a profound exploration of identity, heritage, and the intricate connections between humanity and the natural world. Originally from Zimbabwe and now based in Ireland, Sanyanga's artistic practice is deeply rooted in his dual cultural experience, creating a unique visual language that resonates with universal themes of belonging and displacement.

The Bean By Blessing Sanyanga

DEIRDRE GROVES AND HER ART

Today I used a Sony A1 II combined with a Sony FE 70-200mm Macro GII lens and it was my first time to use this combination.

INFORMATION

8 SEPTEMBER 2025

VISIT THE GALLERY ABOUT THE ARTIST

While her painting practice is more extensively documented online, Deirdre Groves is also an accomplished sculptor. She is a listed exhibitor in the forthcoming and highly prestigious "Sculpture in Context 2025" exhibition, which will be held at the National Botanic Garden of Ireland in Glasnevin. This event is a significant fixture in the Irish art calendar, showcasing the best of contemporary sculpture.


Sculpture By Deirdre Groves

AYELET LAYLOR AND HER ART

Today I used a Sony A1 II combined with a Sony FE 70-200mm Macro GII lens and it was my first time to use this combination.

INFORMATION

8 SEPTEMBER 2025

VISIT THE GALLERY THE LEICA Q3 GALLERY SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 2021

Born in 1974 and with roots in the vibrant artistic community of West Cork, Lalor's creative path was shaped from an early age. She pursued formal training at the Grennan Mills Craft School and the Glasgow School of Art, before graduating from the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin with a BA in 1996 and a subsequent MA in 2009. This extensive education provided a solid foundation for her multifaceted practice.


Deliquescence I By Ayelet Lalor

KEN DREW AND HIS ART

On the first visit i used a Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM lens and two days later, 8 September 2025, I used a Sony A1 II combined with a Sony FE 70-200mm Macro GII lens and it was my first time to use this combination.

INFORMATION

6 - 8 SEPTEMBER 2025

VISIT THE GALLERY ABOUT THE ARTIST

Ken Drew: An Enduring Presence in Irish Sculpture and a Cornerstone of Sculpture in Context
Ken Drew is a distinguished Irish sculptor whose career is deeply intertwined with the evolution of contemporary sculpture in Ireland. Through his own artistic practice and his dedicated involvement with the organisation Sculpture in Context, he has become a significant figure in the Irish art world. Based in Dublin, Drew is not only a practising artist but also a respected sculpture tutor, sharing his expertise and passion with the next generation of creators.



Reflected Materials By Ken drew

MERCE CANADELL AND HER ART

On the first visit i used a Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM lens and two days later, 8 September 2025, I used a Sony A1 II combined with a Sony FE 70-200mm Macro GII lens and it was my first time to use this combination.

INFORMATION

6 - 8 SEPTEMBER 2025

VISIT THE GALLERY PHOTOGRAPHED USING SONY A7RV ABOUT THE ARTIST

Mercè Canadell is a distinguished Barcelona-born, Dublin-based sculptor whose work is characterised by its exploration of figurative and abstract forms across a diverse range of materials. Her career is marked by a deep engagement with the natural world, the human condition, and a continuous evolution of technique and artistic expression. Having established a significant presence in the Irish art scene, Canadell's work demonstrates a unique blend of her Catalan heritage and her experiences in Ireland.




Reflected Materials By Ken drew

BOB QUINN AND HIS ART

BACK IN 2013 I USED A SONY NEX-7 AND AN 18-200MM LENS

INFORMATION

SEPTEMBER 2013

VISIT THE GALLERY ABOUT THE ARTIST

The creative process for Quinn is a traditional and meticulous journey. He begins with preparatory sketches, developing them into wax or clay originals. He then personally undertakes the demanding process of creating his own moulds and seeing the sculpture through the long casting and patination procedures to its final, permanent bronze form. This hands-on approach imbues his work with a tangible sense of the artist's touch.





Toe In The Water By Bob Quinn 2013

NIAMH SYNNOTT AND HER ART

BACK IN 2013 I USED A SONY NEX-7 AND AN 18-200MM LENS

INFORMATION

SEPTEMBER 2013

VISIT THE GALLERY ABOUT THE ARTIST

Synnott's formal training culminated in a Bachelor's Degree in Craft Design, specialising in Ceramics, from the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in 1999. This foundation in ceramics has remained a cornerstone of her artistic output, with a particular emphasis on durable stoneware suitable for outdoor and public art installations.





Trunkated Tree Forms By Niamh Synnott

LIGHT AND TURN BY MARK RYAN

I USED FOUR DIFFERENT CAMERAS

SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 2025

SEPTEMBER 2025

VISIT THE GALLERY ABOUT THE ARTIST

Mark Ryan, a prominent Dublin-based sculptor, has carved a significant niche in the Irish art scene through his versatile approach to materials and his consistent presence in the public and private spheres. His career is distinguished by a dynamic range of work, from intimate pieces to large-scale public commissions, and a long-standing relationship with the prestigious annual exhibition, Sculpture in Context, held in the capital.






Sculpture By Mark Ryan

ESTER BARRETT AND HER ART

I USED A LEICA Q3 AND A SONY A1 II

I USED VARIOUS CAMERAS

SEPTEMBER 2025

VISIT THE GALLERY ABOUT THE ARTIST

Ester Barrett has a direct and current relationship with Sculpture in Context, Ireland's largest and longest-running outdoor sculpture exhibition.

She was selected as one of the featured artists for the major 40th-anniversary Sculpture in Context exhibition in 2025. This prestigious event is held in the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin, and her inclusion alongside other leading Irish and international artists underscores her standing in the contemporary sculpture scene. Her participation in this pivotal anniversary show highlights her as a significant figure in modern Irish sculpture.






Dove Infinity Circle Is A Sculpture

KOI POND NAKED RAKU BY URSULA McGIVERN

I USED VARIOUS CAMERAS

I USED VARIOUS CAMERAS

SEPTEMBER 2025

VISIT THE GALLERY ABOUT THE ARTIST

An accomplished Irish artist, Ursula McGivern is a celebrated ceramic sculptor known for her elegant forms and mastery of the raku firing technique. Her work, which has garnered national recognition, is characterised by a deep connection to the natural elements and a continual exploration of the transformative properties of clay.







McGivern's journey as a sculptor is one of dedicated evolution.

MASQUERADE BY JACKIE BALL

I USED A SONY A7RV AND A SONY A1 II

I USED VARIOUS CAMERAS

SEPTEMBER 2025

VISIT THE GALLERY ABOUT THE ARTIST

Jackie Ball is a prominent Irish sculptor and art teacher. Her career is distinguished not only by her own artistic practice but also by her significant contributions to the administration and promotion of sculpture in Ireland.

As an artist, Ball creates three-dimensional works and has been a regular exhibitor at major Irish art events. Her sculptures, such as 'Sanctuary' (exhibited in 2017) and 'White Collar Crime' (exhibited in 2012), demonstrate her long-standing practice. Her work is featured in Irish galleries, such as The Kildare Gallery.






Jackie Ball is a prominent Irish sculptor

IN BLOOM BY RAY DELANEY

I USED FOUR DIFFERENT CAMERAS

I USED VARIOUS CAMERAS

SEPTEMBER 2025

VISIT THE GALLERY ABOUT THE ARTIST


Delaney’s primary source of inspiration is nature. His sculptures often explore the fluid dynamics of movement, seeking to encapsulate a fleeting moment in time. This focus is evident in recurring motifs such as birds, butterflies, and abstracted natural forms. His work ranges from intimate, indoor pieces to larger, commanding garden sculptures, all created in limited editions.






In Bloom Blue Metal Sculpture By Ray Delaney

SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 2013

MIKE DUHAN

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.

VIEW THE PHOTOGRAPHS

SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 2025

IN CONTEXT 2025

Sculpture in Context is the largest dedicated sculpture exhibition in Ireland. This unique exhibition will show a diverse range of sculptures by renowned and emerging contemporary artists, each of whom brings a fresh perspective and innovative approach to their work. Set against the backdrop of vibrant plant life and breathtaking natural scenery, Sculpture in Context will offer an immersive experience for visitors in the historic surroundings of the National Botanic Gardens.

SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 2025

A BRIEF PREVIEW

The 2023 event, hosted at the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin, was a major success. It was the longest-running, largest, and most important sculpture exhibition in the country, showcasing the work of over 140 established and emerging artists. The exhibition ran from September 7 to October 13, 2023, and was free to the public. It featured a diverse range of contemporary sculptures, from monumental stone works to intricate ceramic pieces, displayed both outdoors throughout the 50 acres of gardens and indoors in the glasshouses and gallery. The event also included a program of lectures and guided tours.

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CAMERAS AND LENSES

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SONY FE 24MM F1.4 GM CAMERAS AND LENSES

AT THE BOTANIC GARDENS

SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 2023

In 2023, the committee made the tough call to hold one final exhibition and then take a break to secure a new funding source. They launched a petition and reapplied for funding from organizations like the Arts Council and Dublin City Council. The hope was that by taking a step back, they could secure the necessary financial support to ensure the long-term future and continued success of the exhibition. The break in 2024 was a strategic move to address this fundamental issue and allow the organization to regroup and find a more stable financial footing.

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PHOTO CATALOGS

PARKS AND GARDENS

The development of public parks in Ireland has a rich history. Early parks, such as Phoenix Park in Dublin, were established in the 17th century as royal hunting grounds. Over time, the concept evolved from exclusive domains for the wealthy to public spaces accessible to all. The 19th century saw a shift towards creating parks for public benefit, influenced by philanthropists and later by city councils that recognized the importance of green spaces for urban populations. Many of Dublin's parks, for example, were once part of large landed estates.

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CITY VISIT

WATERFORD

Every August, local and international artists descend on the city to transform its urban landscape with vibrant and imaginative murals.

CITY VISIT

LIMERICK

Historically, Limerick has a rich past dating back to its founding by Vikings in 812. This history is visible in its medieval architecture, most notably at King John's Castle, a formidable 13th-century fortress.

CITY VISIT

BELFAST

Historically, Belfast was a global leader in shipbuilding and linen production, earning the nickname "Linenopolis." Its most famous maritime legacy is the RMS Titanic,

LEGACY SITES

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LEGACY SITES

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