Supernatural images to feature in new exhibition

Images of the supernatural and the uncanny are to be unveiled at a haunting exhibition in the National Gallery today.

The Fantastic in Irish Art features more than 50 works on paper, sculpture and stained glass produced by Irish artists between 1870-1930.

From the work of illustrator Richard Doyle (1824-83), to the impressive stained-glass artist Harry Clarke (1889-1931), and sculptor Oliver Sheppard (1865-1941), these artists created evocative and fascinating works of art intended to delight or unsettle their audience.

"Each artwork displays an awareness and understanding of the Fantastic," said Dr Roisín Kennedy, curator of the show and author of the accompanying exhibition brochure.

"This is concerned with awakening the viewer's imagination and challenging conventional ways of seeing by drawing their attention to the ambiguity of everyday experience."

Dr Kennedy said contemporary European and Anglo-Irish literature was often a vital resource for artists, especially in the work of Harry Clarke, whose stained-glass panel, 'The Song of the Mad Prince' (1917), was inspired by Walter de La Mare's poem.

In this intricate and highly coloured glass work set in a walnut cabinet , the artist creates an aura around the image of a young man standing between his parents at the graveside of his lover.

While in Richard Doyle's water-colour 'The Triumphal Entry, a Fairy Pageant', the artist depicts fairies enjoying an official parade, a theme inspired by late 19th century interest in folklore and fairytales.

Doyle specialised in these scenes, many of which were accompanied by verses by the Irish-born writer, William Allingham.

Other works in the exhibition include William Orpen's 'Merchant Arch', George Russell's 'Spirit or Sidhe' in a landscape, Wilhemina Geddes' 'Cinderella Undressing her Ugly Sister', Beatrice Glenavy's 'Prayer for a Little Child', Art O'Murnaghan's 'Men of the Coasts', and Dan O'Neill with 'Scarecrows at Newtownards'.

The free exhibition runs in the National Gallery of Ireland Print Gallery until August 12.