Unique Act

Frederic Matys Thursz, Sean Scully, Carmengloria Morales, Seán Shanahan and Ruth Root

As part of its centenary celebrations, Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane is delighted to present Unique Act, an exhibition of non-figurative painting with works by Frederic Matys Thursz, Sean Scully, Carmengloria Morales, Seán Shanahan and Ruth Root. The exhibition is a current evaluation of contemporary non-figurative painting, as presented by these artists who, through a common medium, address different concerns in their highly individualised practices.
The Hugh Lane began as a picture gallery celebrating painting’s central position in visual art. Since then there have been many evolutions in the practice of painting. No matter how often its demise has been heralded, the practice has continued to evolve and for many artists it is central to expressing their concerns.
At a time when almost everything around us is mass-produced in factories, non-figurative paintings hold a very special position. Non-figurative art employs a language; like music, it is a dialogue involving the creator and audience. Frederic Matys Thursz, Sean Scully, Carmengloria Morales, Seán Shanahan and Ruth Root explore contemporary concerns through this language, demonstrating its breathtaking diversity. The five artists allow the viewer to evaluate how painting today is part of the world. The ensuing dialogue is rich, multilayered and complex. These works celebrate the limitless language of colour and form.
Unique Act celebrates the Gallery’s first centenary and has evolved out of Sean Scully’s generous gift of paintings to the collection in 2006.
An illustrated catalogue accompanies the exhibition with a leading essay by the eminent art critic, writer and historian, David Carrier. The catalogue also includes texts by Giovanni Accame, Sue Hubbard, Gavin Morrison, Jasper Sharp and Lilly Wei.