21/03/2024
Irish Art News Tyrone Guthrie Centre Annaghmakerrig Visual Artists
THE ORPEN PRIZE FOR AN ARTIST
To celebrate and recognise Irish artistic talent, a prestigious new competition for Irish artists has been announced with a first prize of €5,000 - The Orpen Prize.
The Orpen Prize was launched during the opening ceremony of a brand new exhibition celebrating the Stillorgan-born artist Sir William Orpen and several artistic members of his family, which is taking place at Farmleigh Gallery, Phoenix Park, Dublin. From 15th March - 25th August 2024.
The exhibition launch titled 'Sir William Orpen, A Family Legacy' was also the backdrop to the announcement of this prestigious new competition for Irish artists with a first prize of €5,000 funded by proceeds from the 60 page catalogue priced at €10.
ANNOUNCING THE €5,000 ORPEN PRIZE ~ RECOGNIZING IRISH TALENT
The prestigious, new Orpen Prize invites entries from individuals who are now, or have been in the past, 'ready to start' their own careers as artists.
As a painter of portraits, Sir William Orpen created many striking expressions of identity for the well-to-do of Edwardian times. During the First World War, he also became a prolific war artist - capturing the plight of ordinary soldiers, and the tragedy and triumph of human endeavour. However, there is one painting that traverses both genres: 'Ready To Start.'
The self-portrait was painted just after Orpen arrived in France. It shows him as an artist in military uniform, studiously reflecting on his own image, contemplating what lies ahead. The oil-on-panel painting has all the vivid colours, textures and embellishments that define Orpen's inimitable style.
The competition warms to the theme of self-reflection - it looks for representations of the artists themselves in changing times, looking to the future. As Orpen was a noted Irishman, the competition is open to individuals across the island of Ireland, and Irish artists living abroad.
The winner of the Sir William Orpen prize will receive a cash prize of €5,000, and runner-up prizes will be awarded for outstanding works. Artists wanting to find out more about the competition can find full details of the Orpen Prize online at sirwilliamorpen.com/prize
[attached image "Ready to Start", by Sir William Orpen]
THE EXHIBITION - 'Sir William Orpen, A Family Legacy'
Orpen's work captured a great deal about the Irish spirit. Hospitality, endeavour, aspiration, and courage. Often described as the greatest of all war artists, his skills as an artist and illustrator brought to life the world's hopes for peace. His talent as a portraitist was also greatly appreciated by Edwardian society, and a modicum of that inimitable talent was also shared by his close family. The exhibition at Farmleigh Gallery brings together two distinct views of the Orpen family, both curated to reveal aspects of the family’s talents that are perhaps a little less well known.
In ‘A Family Legacy’ (curated by Dominic Lee, Orpen Research Archives), visitors will see a curated range of lesser-known paintings, memorabilia, drawings and illustrated letters by Sir William Orpen himself, along with watercolours by his father Arthur, and mother Annie; his brother Richard, sister-in-law Cherry, daughter Diana, niece Bea, and cousin, Thomas.
The exhibition at Farmleigh Gallery, Farmleigh House and Estate, Phoenix Park, Dublin, Ireland, runs to the 25th August, 2024 and is free to all. Full details are available online at sirwilliamorpen.com.
