New Irish Art

John Behan, Tom Climent, Cecilia Danell, Nuala O’Donovan, Deirdre Frost, Kaye Maahs, Samir Mahmood, Louise Neiland, Martha Quinn, Jennifer Trouton, Dominic Turner, Amna Walayat, Conor Walton. Curated by Brian Mac Domhnaill. 

Opening reception Thursday 04 September, 5.30-7.30pm. Canapés by Orla McAndrew Food (served 5.30pm) and wine by Bubble Brothers, presented by John Passmore. 

Collecting Art, Saturday 13 September, 12pm 
This exhibition tour and talk by Gallery Director Brian Mac Domhnaill includes an overview of the artists and artwork in the exhibition and include valuable insights into the process through which artists come to be exhibited at the gallery.  The talk also features suggested strategies for building an art collection, however modest or grand. It is an ideal opportunity for those wondering how best to begin or grow their art collection, whether it be in a private capacity or on behalf of an organisation.   
 
Culture Night, Friday 19 September 
Open until 8pm. Exhibition tour with Gallery Administrator Ita Freeney 7pm (35 min). This tour includes an overview of the artists and artwork in the exhibition. 

In Autumn 2025 Lavit Gallery launches a new group exhibition format focusing on a selection of new work by artists working across the Island of Ireland.  

Cork Arts Society (est. 1963), trading as Lavit Gallery, is very loyal to its Cork artists but having a national reach is also important so that we can continue to stimulate and inspire our audience and customers with a variety of talent.  

For the inaugural New Irish Art exhibition Cork is represented by Tom Climent, Deirdre Frost, Nuala O’Donovan and Amna Walayat, Galway is represented by John Behan and Cecilia Danell, Clare by Kaye Maahs, Dublin by Samir Mahmood and Dominic Turner, Wicklow by Conor Walton, Sligo by Martha Quinn and Belfast by Jennifer Trouton.  

Not all these artists are based in their native counties or even their country of origin and that is another important part this new exhibition model. The ‘new Irish’ part of the title also refers to the ideal of a less parochial and more fluid and multi-cultural Irish society that extends to our national identity. In a commercial context creating a local market for new or unfamiliar art can be a challenge given the largely traditional, conservative and tribal nature of the Irish art market but it is important that all good work is given a platform and that we encourage tastes to broaden locally and nationally. 

As a not-for-profit arts organisation and registered charity Cork Arts Society, trading as Lavit Gallery, greatly appreciates the support of our colleagues running sales-based galleries in Dublin. Included in this exhibition are artists represented by Solomon Fine Art, Taylor Galleries and Kevin Kavanagh Gallery.