I USED A FUJI GFX100RF TO PHOTOGRAPH THIS SCULPTURE
LIGHT AND TURN BY MARK RYAN AT SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 2025 [PHOTOGRAPHED USING A FUJI GFX100RF]
Dublin Sculptor Mark Ryan: A Career Forged in Diverse Materials and Public Engagement
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.
Ryan's artistic practice is characterised by his adept manipulation of a wide array of materials. He works with wood, clay, plaster, steel, stainless steel, and bronze, employing techniques such as welding, folding, and casting to realise his artistic vision. This material fluency allows him to create sculptures that vary greatly in scale and form, demonstrating a breadth of skill and conceptual exploration.
His work is featured in numerous national and international collections. Ryan has undertaken significant public art commissions for a host of influential bodies, including the Office of Public Works, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Education, and University College Dublin. A notable and poignant recent commission is the 'Heart Memorial', a COVID-19 memorial at Tallaght University Hospital, which stands as a testament to his ability to engage with profound community themes. He has also collaborated with fellow artists, such as Maree Hensey on the 'Core Principles 1–4' project for Midleton Educate Together National School in Cork. In recognition of his artistic merit, Ryan has been awarded the Braun Prize at Eigse, Carlow, and the Halward Gallery Sculpture Prize.
A Lasting Presence at Sculpture in Context
Mark Ryan's relationship with Sculpture in Context is a recurring and significant aspect of his career. His work is regularly selected for inclusion in this major Dublin exhibition, which is held annually in the National Botanic Gardens. This event is a cornerstone of the Irish arts calendar, providing a unique platform for sculptors to display their work outside the confines of a traditional gallery setting. For many years, Ryan has been a consistent participant, with his sculptures being showcased amidst the natural beauty of the gardens. An example of his work featured at the exhibition is "OPEN TURN," a metal and bronze piece displayed in 2019.
Established in 1985, Sculpture in Context has a long history of supporting and promoting three-dimensional art in Ireland. Its location at the National Botanic Gardens offers a distinctive backdrop that allows for a dynamic interaction between art and the environment. The exhibition's enduring success and its celebration of its 40th anniversary in 2025 underscore its importance to the cultural life of Dublin and the wider Irish artistic community. For an artist like Mark Ryan, whose work often engages with form and space, the context provided by this exhibition offers a powerful and complementary setting.
Over a period of two weeks I used four different cameras to photograph this sculpture by Mark Ryan. The Sony A1 II, The Leica Q3, The Sony A7RV and the Fuji GFX100RF. The purpose of so many visits was to decide what camera to bring on my trip to Cork at the end of September.
Dublin Sculptor Mark Ryan: A Career Forged in Diverse Materials and Public Engagement
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.
Ryan's artistic practice is characterised by his adept manipulation of a wide array of materials. He works with wood, clay, plaster, steel, stainless steel, and bronze, employing techniques such as welding, folding, and casting to realise his artistic vision. This material fluency allows him to create sculptures that vary greatly in scale and form, demonstrating a breadth of skill and conceptual exploration.
His work is featured in numerous national and international collections. Ryan has undertaken significant public art commissions for a host of influential bodies, including the Office of Public Works, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Education, and University College Dublin. A notable and poignant recent commission is the 'Heart Memorial', a COVID-19 memorial at Tallaght University Hospital, which stands as a testament to his ability to engage with profound community themes. He has also collaborated with fellow artists, such as Maree Hensey on the 'Core Principles 1–4' project for Midleton Educate Together National School in Cork. In recognition of his artistic merit, Ryan has been awarded the Braun Prize at Eigse, Carlow, and the Halward Gallery Sculpture Prize.
A Lasting Presence at Sculpture in Context
Mark Ryan's relationship with Sculpture in Context is a recurring and significant aspect of his career. His work is regularly selected for inclusion in this major Dublin exhibition, which is held annually in the National Botanic Gardens. This event is a cornerstone of the Irish arts calendar, providing a unique platform for sculptors to display their work outside the confines of a traditional gallery setting. For many years, Ryan has been a consistent participant, with his sculptures being showcased amidst the natural beauty of the gardens. An example of his work featured at the exhibition is "OPEN TURN," a metal and bronze piece displayed in 2019.
Established in 1985, Sculpture in Context has a long history of supporting and promoting three-dimensional art in Ireland. Its location at the National Botanic Gardens offers a distinctive backdrop that allows for a dynamic interaction between art and the environment. The exhibition's enduring success and its celebration of its 40th anniversary in 2025 underscore its importance to the cultural life of Dublin and the wider Irish artistic community. For an artist like Mark Ryan, whose work often engages with form and space, the context provided by this exhibition offers a powerful and complementary setting.
Over a period of two weeks I used four different cameras to photograph this sculpture by Mark Ryan. The Sony A1 II, The Leica Q3, The Sony A7RV and the Fuji GFX100RF. The purpose of so many visits was to decide what camera to bring on my trip to Cork at the end of September.