MATERIALpoetry is the first in a series of exhibitions of contemporary craft & design, which will take place over the next three years in Ireland and the US under the direction of a newly created agency called STUDIO practice. STUDIO practice aims to give a voice to Irish designers and studio makers dedicated to challenging their concepts, creativity and skill to create truly new and innovative work.

 

In MATERIALpoetry international curator Brian Kennedy focuses on Irish makers whose work is infused with a poetic simplicity and a material honesty, influenced by ancient Irish architectural forms, the majestic Irish landscape, a deep-rooted knowledge and respect for techniques and a true understanding and love of material. The show will include work by NI silversmith Cara Murphy [pictured here], glass artist Karl Harron, jeweller Rachel McKnight, wood turner Karl Harron and ROI ceramicists Sara Flynn, Nuala O’Donovan and Frances Lambe, basketmaker Joe Hogan and furniture designer makers Yaffe Mays.

 

The show also features pieces created as a result of first time collaborations between Irish designers and Irish product/craft designers at a studio level including a new design by Architects O’Donnell + Tuomey which will be seen for the first time at the show while the MATERIALpoetry catalogue features a specially commissioned series of black and white photographs accompanied by a selection of contemporary Irish poetry.