Major Ron Mueck exhibition opens at the MAC
A major exhibition by internationally acclaimed artist Ron Mueck, for the first time ever on the island of Ireland, opens at the MAC on Friday 29 July.
The exhibition brings together seven of the artist’s key works including the reputation-making Dead Dad (1997) and his monumental piece In Bed (2005). The exhibition previews on Thurs 28th July at 7pm and runs until November 20th.
Creative Director, Hugh Mulholland, expects visitors to be enthralled by the work.
“I am very excited to present this significant exhibition of Ron Mueck’s captivating work here in Northern Ireland and to welcome visitors already familiar with the MAC and also the many visitors who will travel to see this collection of works. Since he came to prominence in the late 1990’s Mueck has continued to astound audiences around the world with his powerful and emotive works. Ron Mueck invites us to reflect on the human condition and our own experiences of life, from birth to adolescence, middle age to old age and even death. These works are impactful and unforgettable and do what all great art strives to accomplish – connect with each of us emotionally.”
Ron Mueck began his career as a model-maker, working in advertising, film and television. His move into fine art was initiated by a collaboration with artist Paula Rego at London’s Hayward Gallery in 1996. A year later, his sculpture, Dead Dad, a three-foot representation of the artist’s dead father, was exhibited at London’s Royal Academy of Arts in the exhibition ‘Sensation: Works of Art from the Saatchi Collection.’ This landmark group show would establish Ron Mueck as one of the most important artists of his generation.
Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development and Principal funder, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added: “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted that the MAC is premiering the work of Ron Mueck on the island of Ireland. This is an unmissable opportunity to see some of the key works of this exceptional artist. I would encourage everyone to go along to engage with Mueck’s mesmerising sculptures.”
Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tina Black said: “It’s a real coup for the MAC to be the first cultural venue on the island of Ireland to secure Ron Mueck’s exhibition. We’re proud, long-term supporters of the MAC and it’s so encouraging to see both the excellence in their programming and their commitment to accessibility and inclusivity continuing to go from strength to strength.
“I’d encourage everyone to take the opportunity to see this internationally renowned artist’s powerful work right here in Belfast. I have no doubt that this collection of hyperreal sculptures which encourage us to reflect on our shared humanity will attract visitors from near and far and prove to be a cultural highlight for the city.”
Whilst exhibiting at the MAC Belfast, Ron Mueck’s other current exhibitions include LES CHOSES at the Louvre, Paris; Unknown Unknowns as part of the 23rd International Exhibition Triennale in Milan; and the Sin touring exhibition, currently on display at Perth Museum & Art Gallery, Scotland in partnership with the National Gallery.
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. Find out more about the exhibition here.
With thanks to our funders and supporters, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and Gilbert Ash. We are grateful for the generous support of Thaddaeus Ropac Gallery and Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain.
Above: Ron Mueck with his sculpture Youth (2009-11) in the Tall Gallery.
