VAI NewsVAN Covers and ContentsVisual Artists News Sheet

Out Now | July August 2025 issue of The Visual Artists’ News Sheet

VAN July/Aug 2025 issue presents the first in a new series of Access Columns, in which Aine O’Hara outlines how she maintains an art practice while managing a chronic condition. Also foregrounding access concerns, Jody O’Neill discusses a recent research programme focusing on the cultural participation of neurodivergent people.

In Member Profiles for this issue, Pamela de Brí outlines her current artistic research; Lara Quinn reflects on the evolution of her emerging practice; and Danny McCarthy discusses his sound art practice and new limited-edition CD, Haunted By Silence.

Exhibition Profiles for this issue include ‘To Whom It May Concern’ at the Douglas Hyde Gallery, ‘Staying with the Trouble’ at IMMA, and ‘Beuys 50 Years Later’ at the Ulster Museum.

Among other feature articles, Miguel Amado interviews Barbara Knežević about her new touring exhibition, ‘The Iron Gates’; Clodagh Assata Boyce reports on the Opacities seminar, workshop, and screening event at NCAD; and Jane Morrow reports on a conference on artist-led models organised by Arts & Business NI.

Reviewed in VAN July/Aug Critique section are: Sharon Murphy and Emma Spreadborough at Photo Museum Ireland; Doireann O’Malley and STRWÜÜ at Goethe-Institut Irland; Mark Cullen at the Regional Cultural Centre; John Rainey at Golden Thread Gallery; and David Fox at GOMA Waterford.

 

On The Cover

Kian Benson Bailes, Weather Statue, 2025, ceramic; photograph by Ros Kavanagh, courtesy of the artist and IMMA.

First Pages 

  1. Roundup. Exhibitions and events from the past two months.
  2. News. The latest developments in the arts sector.

Columns

  1. Secret Painters. Cornelius Browne considers the secret life of working-class artist Eric Tucker.

Time Crystal Disintegration. Pádraic E. Moore chronicles the life, work, and legacy of Irish painter Michael Ashur (1950–2024).

  1. Stewardship, Care, and Collaboration

Eamon O’Kane and Chelsea Canavan outline their socially engaged project in care homes across Sligo.

Attuning to the Intelligence of the Body. Aoibheann Greenan outlines a holistic model for the creative process, rooted in four interdependent principles.

  1. The Transition to Bedbound Art. Aine O’Hara outlines how she maintains an art practice while managing a chronic condition.

A Creative Encounter. Jody O’Neill outlines research focusing on the cultural participation of neurodivergent people.

Exhibition Profile

  1. The Iron Gates. Miguel Amado interviews Barbara Knežević about her new touring exhibition.
  2. To Whom It May Concern. John Graham reviews an exhibition by Mohammed Sami currently showing at the Douglas Hyde Gallery.
  3. Staying with the Trouble. Sadbh O’Brien reviews a large group exhibition at IMMA.
  4. Beuys in Belfast. Emma Campbell reports on ‘Beuys 50 Years Later’ at the Ulster Museum.

Critique

  1. David Fox, Grand Canal Docks, 2024, oil on board.
  2. Sharon Murphy and Emma Spreadborough at Photo Museum Ireland.
  3. Doireann O’Malley and STRWÜÜ at Goethe-Institut Irland
  4. Mark Cullen at the Regional Cultural Centre
  5. John Rainey at Golden Thread Gallery
  6. David Fox at GOMA Waterford

Seminar Report

  1. Opacities. Clodagh Assata Boyce reports on the Opacities seminar, workshop, and screening event at NCAD.
  2. Sustain and Grow. Jane Morrow reports on a conference on artist-led models organised by Arts & Business NI.

Project Profile

  1. Shared Histories. Ben Malcolmson outlines a recent cross-border community project funded by Creative Ireland.

Member Profile

  1. Ar an Imeall / On the Edge. Pamela de Brí discusses the evolution of her artistic research.

Haunted By Silence. Danny McCarthy discusses his sound art practice and new limited-edition CD, released by Farpoint Recordings.

  1. Lady Lazarus. Lara Quinn reflects on the evolution of her emerging practice.

Last Pages

  1. Public Art Roundup. Site-specific works beyond the gallery.
  2. Opportunities. Grants, awards, open calls and commissions.
  3. VAI Lifelong Learning. Upcoming VAI helpdesks, cafés and webinars.