Spicebag, Cork sculptures, NFTs: 10 visual art talking points in 2023

 A huge Irish sale, some interesting acquisitions, and fitting recognition for Nan Goldin also featured among the  art-world highlights of the year 

L-R: Rachel Parry's Kelp Cailleach; the new statue of Michael Collins on Grand Parade; Nan Goldin

1. Public sculptures in Cork

In February, Cork Corporation, with funding from Fáilte Ireland under the Urban Animation Scheme, launched Island City, Cork’s Urban Sculpture Trail, a project that has seen five new public artworks installed around the city. The works are temporary, and will be in place for five years. There's been a somewhat mixed reaction to the project so far, but there's plenty time yet for public affections to swing towards the pieces that form the biggest single investment in public art in the city.