Contemporary Figuration in Ireland: An Exploration of the Work of James Hanley
Grace Murray-Cavanagh
Subject: Painting
10,000 words
This dissertation examines the oeuvre thus far of contemporary Irish figurative painter and portraitist James Hanley. The author explores Hanley's thematic preoccupations as well as his stylistic evolution as an artist. The study approaches Hanley's art by looking in detail at three key works - 'The Would-Be's' (1995), 'Portrait of Ronnie Delaney' (2000), and 'Grand Tourist' (1997) - considering their thematic concerns in the context of his broader oeuvre and tracing the artist's stylistic evolution. The author also considers the importance of external factors on Hanley's career and their impact on his art. The study examines the circumstances of Hanley's artistic education; the unusual prominence of the male in his work; the artist's approach to his craft; and notions of the national and the artist-as-critic. Hanley is also considered in the context of contemporary art and criticism in Ireland. Appendices include interviews with the artist and with art writer/critic Brian Fallon.
The Transformation & Reception of the Late Works of Artemisia
Mollie Myles
Subject: Painting
10,000 words
Object, Image, Place. The Serpentine Gallery Pavilions & the Architecture of Spectacle
David Luke Naessens
Subject: Architecture
10,000 words
This dissertation concerns the Serpentine Gallery Pavilions which are temporary structures erected each Summer on the gallery lawn. At this date, there have been twelve projects, eleven of which were built. The pavilions will be placed within a historical tradition of structures of which the visual is the principal function as well as the contemporary context of architectural spectacle. The thesis will explore the debate surrounding the contemporary context, using the pavilions as case studies which demonstrate how architects respond to current conditions. Finally, several alternative strands of contemporary architectural thought will be introduced and the ways in which the pavilions visually elaborate or reject these theories will be examined.
The Blessed Virgin in Irish Visual Culture 1940-1960: The Evolution of the Marian Image in Modern Irish Painting of the mid-20th Century
Tania Naidoo
Subject: Painting
10,000 words
This dissertation explores the development of Marian Imagery in modern Irish painting from 1940-1960. The aim of this dissertation is to identify the significance of the Virgin Mary in modern Irish art, and so whilst some account of ecclesiastical art is pertinent, it is important to distinguish that this dissertation is not concerned to a great extent with the number of nature works commissioned by the Catholic Church, so much as those works featuring depictions of the Madonna that were executed by independent artists, and subsequently went into private or public collections. The time frame that has been chosen is reflective of a period of great social and cultural change both within Ireland and in Europe. In the first chapter I will give an overview of the role of Catholicism in Irish society, and the general state of Irish art.
Sir William Chambers and the Enlightenment
Kenzo Nakakoji
Subject: Architecture
10,000 words
This dissertation examines the theory and practice of the architect Sir WIlliam Chambers through the lens of the Enlightenment in England and France. The study explores the means by which Chambers managed to balance his role as a major figure in English architecture with his his highly critical, if broadly receptive, rationalist approach to architectural theory. The author charts Chambers' architectural education and development from his early commitment to a theoretical approach to architecture during a period of study under Blondel in Paris and traces the development and application of theory throughout the architect's career while locating his work in the context of the Enlightenment. Chamber's 'A Treatise on the Decorative Part of Civil Architecture', his established aesthetic philosophy, and his work at Somerset House are all considered in detail.
What Did the Pilgrims Learn: A Study of the 12th Century Pilgrimage Churches Along the Le Puy Route in France.
Emma Newman
Subject: Architecture and Sculpture
10,000 words
This theses is concerned with the pilgrimage route of the Via Podiensis to Santiago de Compostela in Spain which began at the city of Le-Puyen- Velay in France. The Cathedral Notre Dame-le-Puy was the first cathedral along the route chosen by pilgrims who followed the route to Santiago de Compostela. Other pilgrimage sites such as the abbey churches of St Foy at Conques and St Pierre de Moissac are case studies in this thesis. Conques in particular, was among the most popular shrines in 12th century France and was a much favoured destinations of pilgrims. It had a number of religuaries and an important tympanum depicting the Last Judgement. In terms of religious symbolism and narrative, both Conques and Moissac demonstrate the role of art during this period as the ‘bible for the illiterate’.
The Cathedral of St. Patrick’s, Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary
Mairead Ní Chonghaile
Subject: Architecture
10,000 words
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, on the Rock of Cashel, is overlooked by the Romanesque building of Cormac’s Chapel, on the same site. This study attempts to redress the balance, through an examination of the structure of the building. Each area of the building is measured and the main features described. Anomalies and problems of interpretation are thoroughly investigated. Possible solutions to the issues arising are posited. A reconstruction of the phases of construction is then attempted.
Clare Langan: The Fragility of Authorship
Aoife Ni Dhubhain
Subject: Film Art / Art Theory
10,000 words
This dissertation examines issues of authorship in the context of new media artforms, takings as its case study the work of Irish artist Clare Langan and focusing in particular on her trilogy of films including 'Forty Below', 'Too Dark For Night', and 'Glass Hour'. The author investigates the creative processes that define the artist's work, the problem of authorship in a mechanical medium, as well as the question of collaboration and its implications for authorship in the production, presentation and interpretation of film art. Ideas of 'Auteur Theory' are explored in terms of both commercial film and film art. Appendices include interviews with the artist and with the Director of the Royal Hibernian Academy, Patrick T. Murphy.
Branding Dublin: ‘Starchitects’ negotiating city identity
Sorcha Ní Lideadha
Subject: Architecture
10,000 words
This dissertation investigates the presence of the architectural phenomenon of ‘starchitecture’ in Dublin City since 1996. The broad cultural factors which have led to this trend will be discussed. This is based on economic and sociological sources which provide the reason for its popularity amongst elite architects and city officials. Through the analysis of previously uncollected primary material, an account is formed of the various built and unbuilt projects that have been by ‘star’ architects for the city over the past fifteen years. Finally, an evaluation is conducted of the capacity of such international designs to engage with the particular place-identity of a city such as Dublin.
Traditional Irish Music in Art: Examining Identity and Nationalism
Sabhbh Ni Mhaolagain
Subject: Various
10,000 words
This dissertation aims to highlight the themes of nationalism in order to identify the extent to which traditional Irish music can create this. It is achieved by a growing sense of identity by looking at the examples ranging from the 19th century to the 21st century. The growing sense of identity in Ireland will be discussed with a brief introduction to traditional music. Depictions of traditional music in art of the 19th century revealed how artists focused on the picturesque view of Ireland. A growing sense nationalism and identity through art will be explored. The research discovered that Irish music as a subject in art is linked to both identity and nationalism and can be utilised according to the current affairs at the time as well as the needs of an artist.
Images of Constantine: A History of the iconography of the Horse Riding figure in 12th century Irish
Amy Ni Mhurchu
Subject: Sculpture
10,000 words
This thesis examines the possibility whether images of the Roman Emperor Constantine influenced Irish Equestrian figures of the 12th century. The author considers six examples of Irish equestrian sculptures of the Romanesque period and the ensuing analysis follows such headings as location, description and content while also tracing the idea of the horse and rider being used as an analogy of high status and triumphal power back to classical Roman times. Detailed drawings are made by the author and further consideration is given to Irish Romanesque sculpture in the context of traditional insular styles, Pictish art and Roman/Early Christian imagerty and French sculpture.
The Development of Architectural Preservation and Conservation in Practice in Ireland following the Influence of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland
Áine Ní Mhurchú
Subject: Architecture
10,000 words
Picasso and Ireland Analysing the Exposure to, and Reception of, Picasso in Ireland and his Influences on Irish artists
Nuala Ni Shuilleabhain
Subject: Painting
10,000 words
This dissertation examines how Pablo Picasso was disseminated into Ireland, how the public came to be aware of his art and his consequent impact on Irish artists through two case studies. Picasso was active during a period of great turmoil and social change in Ireland and his work, and the work his contemporaries, was eventually enthusiastically received by an audience so ripe for change. The Irish public and many Irish artists were exposed to his work through a number of significant exhibitions held throughout the twentieth century which celebrated his and and the work of his contemporaries. This dissertation examines which exhibitions his work was included in, and what the response to these exhibitions was.
The Role of Picturesque Drawing in Architecture
Eimear Nic Caba
Subject: Architecture
10,000 words
Architectural discourse often portrays the picturesque drawing as merely representational or a means to an end despite the concepts conveyed and sensations they evoke. The picturesque drawing draws attention to the value of experience in both the external and internal world. This study endeavours to examine, describe and articulate the nuances of the relationship between the architect, drawing and architecture and its role in the formation of ideas. The picturesque drawing varies in subject from the macro-view-like image to the micro- textual image. Through the work of Le Corbusier, Alvar Aalto and Aldo Rossi, the picturesque drawing will be explored as an expression of this interwoven phenomena and the value of it in architecture.
Gerard Dillon and his Connemara works : Not exactly what they say on the tin
Laura Nic Fhlannchaidh
Subject: Painting
10,000 words
This dissertation discusses the work of Gerard Dillon, a Belfast born artist, who until recently, has had very little scholarship written about him and his works. In an attempt to add to the present scholarship, I have focused my research on two primary concerns which are discernible in his Connemara works. These are his use of traditional imagery associated with the West of Ireland and national ideologies, and the homoerotic elements imbued in many of his works. In discussing both these topics, I hope to illustrate the layers of meaning in Dillon’s works throughout the chapters, and to encourage the reader to revisit Dillon’s Connemara scenes with a fresh understanding of what he/she may have originally viewed as a cliched west of Ireland scene.
We History - Narratives of contemporary life in the exhibition of 20th century art in the National Gallery of Ireland
Niamh Nic Ghabhann
Subject: Painting, exhibitions
10,000 words
This dissertation examines the exhibition of 20th century Irish art in the Millennium Wing in the NGI. The exhibition is examined as a contemporary installation, which is formed with constituent parts (individual works of art) from the first part of the 20th century. The work of post-colonial theorists provides the paradigm through which these issues are discussed. The first section of this dissertation is a detailed study of the professed aims of this exhibition, the selection process, and the way in which the paintings are organised. The second part of this study provides a deconstruction of the hang, and the narratives of 20th century Ireland which are constructed, The final section of this work provides an analysis of the constructed cultural narrative, facilitated by post-colonial theory.
Here’s Looking at you Grayson Perry: An Analysis of his Exhibition: Who Are You? from a Perspective Concerning the nature of Identity
Jillian Nicholson
Subject: Ceramics, Prints and Mixed Media
10,000 words
The aim of this dissertation is to investigate the exhibition ‘Grayson Perry: Who Are You?.This was staged at the National Portrait Gallery in London (25 October 2014-15 March, 2015) and focused on themes of identity. Like any investigation, the aim is to establish a simple, explanatory, coherent body of information that explores as much of the topic as possible. Identity is evident throughout Grayson Perry’s work. Not only does he identify himself, but he also fabricates the identifies of others based on certain aspects of their lives. These considerations will be investigated in depth through use of examples prior to the show, but also not excluding the fourteen pieces from ‘Grayson Perry: Who Are You?’ exhibition.
The Development of Flower Painting: Eighteenth-century Dutch and Edo Rimpa Art
Richi Nishimura
Subject: Painting
10,000 words
Flowers have attracted many painters both in the West and East with their organic beauty. Yet the visual representations greatly vary, according to cultures and due to its simplicity as a subject, a genre of flower painting seems to pose developmental challenges to artists.This dissertation is aimed to examine different cultural attitudes towards flowers shown in artworks and subsequent artistic developments of this subject, focusing on eighteenth-century Dutch and nineteenth-century Japanese Edo Rimpa art as exemplary cases. As cultural enthusiasts for flowers, the Dutch and Japanese both engaged with the production of flower paintings in the early modern era.
The Painted Cassone and Spalliera Panels of the National Gallery of Ireland
Laura Nolan
Subject: Painting
10,000 words
This dissertation focuses on cassone and spalliera, painted wooden panels which were originally part of furniture and wall panelling respectively. The history and function of these domestic decorations is explored. Influential workshops (bottega) and individual artists approaches to these panels is discussed. The panels from the National Gallery are related to their artistic context in terms of themes, style and iconography.
The Contemporary ‘Idea of a University’: A Study in the Recent Architectural Development of Irish Third-Level Institutions
Meabh Noonan
Subject: Architecture
10,000 words
This dissertation investigates contemporary issues of university planning and design, discussing the influence of the external environment and the role of architecture within the campus as ‘place-maker’. Choice examples of Irish third level campuses reflect the physical realisation of institutional stragetic plan and the master plan, suggesting the opportunities and limitations of each. Irish architects, noted for their contributions to university campuses world-wide, provide examples of high quality contemporary university architecture. The ideas and conditions from which these buildings arose suggest best practice for the commissioning of a modern university building. The final chapter assesses recent buildings at Trinity College which are informed by the previous chapters.
Unconventional Approaches to Jewellery Design in the 20th Century exploring Non-Western Design
Alice Norwood
Subject: Jewellery
10,000 words
This dissertation will discuss the changes made in Western Jewellery during the twentieth century. The exploration of other cultures during this period reformed the language of jewellery design in the West. It will focus directly on the influence of various cultures on Western jewellery, studying specifically design and motifs. This is a descriptive analysis of the Westernisation of designs from Egyptian, Greek, Indian and African culture. The jewellers discussed in this study are Cartier, Lalique, Bulgari and Calder. Their creations display this idea of looking beyond the unconventional methods of jewellery design.
Child and Mother: Seeing Lucian Freud
Rosa Nutty
Subject: Painting
10,000 words
Lucian Freud made portraits of his mother almost consistently over the last decade and a half of her life. She had become depressed and was in need of company. The pair had a tumultuous relationship prior to this period; however these tender works are often read as proof that the notoriously aloof artist had a softer side. Inspired by Sigmund Freud’s psycho-biography of Leonardo da Vinci, this disseration will to relate specific events in the artist’s life to specific artworks in order to enrich our understanding of them. Finally, the mother portraits will be discussed in light of this analysis and attempt to understand what motivated their creation and to discern what, if anything, sets them part from the rest of Freud’s output.
From Communities of Concrete to Concrete Communities: The Social Implications of Social Housing Design
Khalehla Nuzum
Subject: Architecture
10,000 words
This thesis at high-rise post-war housing design which saw the emergence of repetitive mass-produced and industrially built tower blocks. For the most part, these projects have since been deemed unsuccessful due to communities which are riven with social problems. This can, in part be attributed to social-economic dimensions given that this was mostly state provided housing for a concentration of low-income families. However, poverty alone cannot be blamed for the social failure of these estates. Even when the unemployment rates plummeted in the 1990s, experienced in Ballymun are consistent with those experienced throughout Europe on estates with similar design principles, suggesting that the architecture must have a role to play
The Stratfords of Belan Park; Patronage and Collecting 1697-1801
Aidan O'Boyle
Subject: Painting
10,000 words
This dissertation examines and places in context the activities of the Stratford family of Belan Park, Co. Kildare, both as patrons and collectors during the 18th century. Although the family is extinct and their collection dispersed since the nineteenth century enough remains to form an impression of the tastes of a fairly conventional Anglo-Irish family in the 18th century. The text deals principally with the commissioning and acquisition of works now lost. It is supplemented by an extensive catalogue of existing works.