Conceptual Art
Wednesdays 9, 16, 23 and 30 July 2025, 2.30pm-4.30pm
Led by Jessica Fahy, this four part course will trace the development of conceptual art from the early 20th century to the present day. Drawing from the Hugh Lane collection there will be in depth analysis of individual works as well as a broader look of the art movement internationally. As part of the examination of conceptual art in Ireland the influence of literature and theatre and writers like Joyce and Beckett will be considered. Performance art and installations will also be explored. Visual artists to be discussed include Marcel Duchamp, Brian O’Doherty, Joseph Beuys, Alice Maher, Michael Craig-Martin, Kathy Pendergast, Dorothy Cross and Jesse Jones.
From Marcel Duchamp to Brian O’Doherty and Joseph Beuys, and throughout the 1960s and 1970s to today, Conceptual Art refers to an artistic practice where artists avail of whatever form- including language, text, performance, found and ephemeral objects – they believe is the most appropriate to putting their ideas across. For many artists, the primacy of the idea over the physical art object also has a strong socio-political dimension to the work they produce and is a reaction to the commodification of art, the autonomy of the museum and how art is traditionally presented.
These illustrated talks are taking place in person at the Hugh Lane Gallery or participants can choose to attend live online. A meeting ID will be sent to all participants each week.
Fee: €90, advance booking required via Eventbrite.
