The Waterford Gallery of Art is gearing up for the imminent Olympics, where it will hold an exhibition titled Muscles and Mind: Irish Art Olympians from July 26th to November 26th. It will feature a curated selection fronted by talented artists like Jack B Yeats, Letitia Hamilton, Séan Keating, Mainie Jellett, Fr. Jack P Hanlon, John Lavery, and more, all of who represented Ireland in the Olympic Games between 1924 and 48.
This exhibition promises to draw attention to the pivotal role of art in the early Olympic games, presenting the exquisite works and artists who qualified as Irish art Olympians. It is also set to explore potentially contentious topics such as competition in art, representation and aspects of nationhood, says Luke Currall, Visual Arts Coordinator for the Waterford City & County Council, Waterford Gallery of Art.
Currall states that while tracking down records and artworks has been challenging since a extensive amount of work has been lost, destroyed, renamed, painted over or tucked away in private collections, they have made some exhilarating discoveries, including Mainie Jellett’s The Bathers/Baigneurs masterpiece from 1922 which had been featured in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics.
One of the most intriguing and eccentric artists, Limerick-born but Clare-based Flora Vere O’Brien was previously featured twice in the 1948 Olympics for her poetry and art, including a woodblock print, titled The Hurler. Currall states that they have managed to unearth one of the original print editions and the woodblock itself through the artist’s family.
In addition, the gallery owes a cornucopia of Desmond Broe’s work, including his 1948 Olympic Medal and Competing Certificate, images of his sculpture from the 1948 Olympics and his celebrated Race of the Gael sculpture from the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, to his granddaughter’s efforts.
Displaying works by Sir John Lavery, who originally represented Ireland before pledging allegiance to Britain, as well as a sketch and letter by Sir William Orpen who served as part of the organising committee and judge in 1924, the gallery promises a varied and interesting collection.