I see his blood upon the rose – A major exhibition across all three galleries that celebrates the history of the flower in art opens at the MAC in Belfast on Friday 8 November.
I see his blood upon the rose will trace floral evolution from botanical illustrations to the opulent still-life paintings of the 17th century and their adoption as symbols of political influence, present intriguing juxtapositions between artists and works spanning centuries. Central to the exhibition is the work of two remarkable women artists, Rachel Ruysch (1664 – 1750) and Mary Delany (1700 – 1788), that can be seen in Belfast for the very first time.
The exhibition will explore the influence of these trail blazing artists by contrasting their renowned works alongside internationally recognised contemporary artists such as Alvaro Barrington, Tracey Emin, Robert Mapplethorpe and John Currin as well as Northern Irish based artists Jennifer Trouton, Ted Pim and Paola Bernardelli, whose practice draws on Ruysch and Delany’s mastery of the genre.
The MAC have been able to facilitate the loans of remarkable artworks from some of the leading institutions in the UK and Ireland, namely British Museum, London, the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, and the National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin. This will give a unique opportunity for Belfast audiences to experience works of world famous artists like Delany and Nuzzi, which have never exhibited before in Northern Ireland. The loans are supported by the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund. Created by the Garfield Weston Foundation and Art Fund, the Weston Loan Programme is the first ever UK-wide funding scheme to enable smaller and local authority museums to borrow works of art and artefacts from national collections.
Creative Director of Visual Arts, Hugh Mulholland, expects visitors to be inspired by the work.
“This exhibition is a perfect example of what the MAC does well. We’re known for presenting the very best of contemporary visual art as well as creating unique visitor experiences where the work of artists practicing today is seen within a wider historical context. In I See His Blood Upon the Rose, we trace the history of floral and botanical subjects from the Dutch Golden Age to works by artists from the modern era for whom the subject continues to captivate.
We are extremely proud to be presenting work by artist based in Northern Ireland alongside internationally recognised artists and significant historical works from institutions including the British Museum, London, the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, and the National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin and to bring these works to audiences here.”
Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and principal investor through the National Lottery, added: “This is a fantastic one-off opportunity to see works by these major artists, brought together across time and across continents, to create a wholly new exhibition themed around the depiction of the flower in art. The popular subject matter, approached in strikingly different ways by each of the artists, will make for an absolutely fascinating experience for visitors to the MAC.”
Sophia Weston, Deputy Chair of the Garfield Weston Foundation, said: “Our programme is all about helping local arts organisations bring world-class art to local audiences so we are delighted to support this exhibition in Belfast, which excitingly includes works never before seen in Northern Ireland.”
Full list of exhibiting artists; Alvaro Barrington, Paola Bernardelli, Bernie Boston, John Currin, Mary Delany, Micky Donnelly, Tracey Emin, Linder, Robert Mapplethorpe, Darren Murray, Mario Nuzzi, Gavin O’Curry, Ted Pim, Rachel Ruysch, Penny Slinger, Jo Spence, Jennifer Trouton, Ria Verhaeghe.
This exhibition will feature throughout all three of the MAC galleries. It is free to attend but booking is advised and there is a suggested donation to the MAC of £5 per visitor.
An engaging and creative programme of events has also been developed as part of the exhibition to encourage visitors to express themselves artistically or learn more about the importance of the flower in art. This includes a one-day Masterclass in Floral Still Life with exhibiting artist Jennifer Trouton, winter floral wreath making workshops with Memento florists, floral poetry workshops and creative kids classes and activities.
For more information, visit themaclive.com
With thanks to our funders and supporters, the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and Gilbert Ash.
