Witness the spirit of new Irish artistry.
Jakarta’s daily hustle is spellbound by a portal to the other part of the globe—a world painted with the lush strokes of Irish creativity. “Ireland’s Eye 2024” emerges as the third beacon in a series that illuminates the rich tapestry of Irish artistry. At the base of the soaring arches of World Trade Centre 2, from the 18th of March to the 12th of April, the air is alive with the spirit of Ireland. Each day, from the first blush of 9AM to the evening’s twilight at 6PM, the exhibition stands as a proud herald of Ireland’s contemporary cultural renaissance.
The Embassy of Ireland in Indonesia stands at the helm of this artistic odyssey, intertwining it with the emerald threads of St. Patrick’s festivities. The journey of expression extends its reach to Surabaya’s shores, where the essence of Irish artistry whispers to the soul of East Java. Crafted by the hands of ISA Art and Design, and cradled in the support of the Embassy of Ireland for Indonesia and PT Jakarta Land, the exhibition blooms under the curatorial gaze of Mark Joyce. An artist, a lecturer, a visionary—Joyce weaves a dialogue of harmony between the cultural intricacies of Ireland and Indonesia.
Five artists showcase their latest opus on this occasion, Patryk Gizicki, Katerina Gribkoff, Ethan McGarry, Asha Murray, and Jan O’Connell—exploring the terrains of environment, globalization, social disparity, and the lightning pace of technological evolution. Their interdisciplinary creations echo the heartbeat of our global village, resonating with the beauty and the discord of our shared human experience. As Ireland dances to the rhythm of generational metamorphosis, its youthful artisans remix the island’s cultural heritage into a symphony of new expressions.
Through their own respective art, they carry the legacy of their homeland to the global stage, embodying the transformative power of creativity in a world that never ceases to change. This artistic evolution is not Ireland’s journey alone. It is a chapter in a grander narrative, one that unfolds across the globe. Nations, Indonesia among them, navigate the currents of demographic shifts, urban expansion, technological frontiers, and the ever-changing tapestry of cultural identity. These changes, like brushstrokes on the canvas of society, paint a picture of transformation that touches every generation, every life, in myriad ways.
Patryk Gizicki, hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Poland and nurtured in the rich cultural tapestry of County Mayo, Ireland, is a maestro of the lens. His photographic endeavors are a heartfelt exploration of the intimate dance between light, shadow, and personal narrative. Embracing the timeless allure of analogue techniques, Patryk infuses his creations with a kaleidoscope of colors that are nothing short of fundamental. His artistry transcends the mere confines of the frame, weaving poignant tales that resonate with themes of identity, memory, and the essence of belonging. Gazing through the lens of nostalgia, he revisits his formative years as a young immigrant, crafting a visual ode to his beloved Castlebar—a mosaic of memories and emotions that define the Irish experience.
Katerina Gribkoff is an alchemist of art, whose academic journey at the prestigious Pratt Institute in New York culminated in a BFA in Drawing. Her quest for knowledge has led her to the verdant embrace of the Burren, where she intertwines her creative spirit with the rhythms of nature. Katerina’s oeuvre is a testament to her commitment to sustainable artistry, as she forges dyes and inks from the bounty of the earth, sculpts biodegradable wonders, and captures the ephemeral beauty of life through her lens. Currently immersed in Doctoral research at the Burren College of Art, National University of Ireland, Galway, her work is a harmonious symphony of growth, creation, and ecological consciousness.
Ethan Mc Garry is a visionary artist whose roots are firmly planted in the vibrant city of Dublin. His artistic inquiry delves into the quotidian, a reflective mirror held up to the fabric of society. Through the fusion of photography and digital alchemy, Ethan conjures moving images that ponder the profound ways we infuse our existence with meaning. A distinguished alumnus of the National College of Art and Design, Dublin, his accolades include recognition from the Royal Dublin Society Visual Arts Awards and Photo Museum Ireland’s Early Career artist award, marking him as a beacon of contemporary Irish art.
Asha Murray is a graduate of The Limerick School of Art & Design, a creative force who deftly navigates the realms of film and textiles. Her innovative approach to storytelling is a tapestry woven from the threads of identity, memory, and the subconscious. Asha’s art is a rhythmic collage, a symphony of visual narratives that dance to the beat of sounds and textures. Her talent has been celebrated with accolades from the International Fresh Film Festival and a distinguished exhibition at IMMA, the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Her works, cherished by TUS – Technical University of the Shannon, The Office of Public Works, Ireland, and esteemed collectors across Ireland and Europe, are a testament to her unique voice in the art world.
Jan O’Connell is a luminary in the realm of photography, whose journey led her from the urban heartbeat of Cork City to the serene wilderness of West Kerry. There, amidst the raw power of the landscape, she completed an MFA in fine art photography at Ulster University. Jan’s artistry is a profound dialogue with the elements, as she captures the soul of West Kerry’s rocks against the dramatic backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Her portraits are a celebration of nature’s majesty, each stone a character unveiled through her innovative lens. Jan’s work is an invitation to immerse oneself in the natural world, to find the human connection within the solitude of the rocks.
Mark Joyce (@markj0yce), a curator of visual poetry and a lecturer with a passion for the enigmatic beauty of light, is a celebrated Irish artist. His work is an exploration of the optical curiosities that bewitch our senses, drawing inspiration from the scientific and philosophical musings on the nature of light. Mark’s curatorial prowess was first showcased in Ireland’s Eye in 2022, and his influence has graced galleries from Europe to Australia. As a lecturer at IADT, Dublin, he continues to inspire a new generation of artists, sharing his vision of the world as seen through the prismatic lens of art.
