ARCHIVE:

Zoё Gibson

If you are an avid gardener, like me, or if you only occasionally enjoy experimenting with seeds and bulbs; you will surely agree that May is an exciting month. May often brings uplifted moods, sunny skies, time for reflection, and a gateway into the summer months – did I mention a few iced coffees or ice-creams? 

The relationship between art and architecture is a rich source of inspiration. The events of this editorial will hopefully create occasions for creative individuals across both industries to inter-connect.  

The Ulster Museum in Belfast is inviting us to enjoy the paintings of Sir John Lavery, organised in collaboration with the National Gallery of Ireland and the National Galleries of Scotland. The exhibition, titled Lavery On Location, explores the artworks of the Belfast-born artist, through oil paintings; featuring realistic portraits and landscapes of Ireland and beyond. The exhibition is running until the 9th of June, and is in close proximity to Queens University Belfast and the Botanic Gardens. 

Also opening on the 10th of May in the Ulster Museum, National Treasures; Caravaggio in Belfast, celebrates the bicentenary of the National Gallery in London. Caravaggio’s ‘The Supper at Emmaus’ – on loan from the National Gallery in London- will be reunited with ‘The Taking of Christ’ – with the support of the National Gallery of Ireland – for one of only a few times since the 17th Century.  

On the 10th and 11th of May in Dublin, the Irish Architecture Foundation will be hosting a workshop where participants will create a collective zine about the city with METASITU. The City Unknown will be addressing the city’s architectural narrative through activities, talks and creative workshops, and it is open to all. The workshop promises an exploration into various creative practices and offers potential for multidisciplinary interactions with other creatives. This is one of the events that will be hosted by the IAF as part of their Summer School 2024. 

Ulster University are hosting the Annual Festival of PhD Research, open to all students, PhD researchers and academics from multiple disciplines. The Festival of PhD Research is taking place on the 9th and 10th of May in the new award-winning Belfast Campus. It will include a series of talks, posters and presentations, some of which are focused on the arts and architecture.

Last but not least, the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) are hosting Ask An Architect where you can book one-to-one consultations with registered architects in return for a donation to the Jill Todd Trust, which assists research into finding a cure for cancer. This is an exciting opportunity running from now until the end of September, and more information is available on the RSUA website.