Contemporary art CURATOR & ADVISOR
I have worked as a contemporary art curator and art advisor for more than 20 years.
I have curated numerous exhibitions across the world including the Irish Pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 2011. From 2009 to 2016, I was Director of Lismore Castle Arts, where I programmed significant exhibitions by leading international and Irish artists. In more recent times, I have worked as a collection advisor to the Arts Council of Ireland, Goldsmiths and private art collectors. I regularly lecture at universities and art schools in Ireland and internationally
I offer curating and advisory services to a huge variety of clients, including artists, art collectors, public galleries, universities and various arts related bodies.
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Curating
Art Advisor
art mentoring
curating - selected projects
Venice Biennale (2011)
The Venice Biennale has for over a century been one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the world. The Biennale dates back from 1895, when the first International Art Exhibition was organised, and now has an annual attendance of over 400,000 visitors annually.
I was Curator of the Irish Pavilion at the 54th International Art Exhibition/La Biennale di Venezia in November 2011. That year, Corban Walker installed three site-specific works at the Irish Pavilion. Corban Walker is Dublin born artist who studied at the National College of Art and Design. He is best known for his sculptures and installations relating to architectural scale and spatial perception and utilising industrial materials like steel, aluminium and glass. At the height of four-feet tall, Walker’s personal relationship between self and the built environment is fundamental to the way he defines and develops his work.
The Venice Biennale remains the most important international showcase for contemporary arts and offers a unique opportunity for Ireland to showcase Irish imaginations to the world. It is a vital platform for Irish artists, art curators and commissioners to gain international profile and I was honoured to be selected as art curator of the Irish Pavilion at La Biennale di Venezia.
For more information, see Solomon and Culture Ireland
Director of Lismore Castle Arts (2009-2016)
I was Director of Lismore Castle Arts from 2009 - 2016. During that time, I led and transformed it into one of Ireland's most respected art institutions.
Lismore Castle Arts, a not-for-profit initiative, was founded in 2005 and is committed to the presentation and promotion of contemporary visual art in Southern Ireland. It hosts exhibitions of international significance alongside a series of smaller exhibitions, projects and events as well as a comprehensive education programme.
Since opening, the gallery has played host to the works of many leading international artists including Matthew Barney, Gerard Byrne, Dorothy Cross, Sherrie Levine, Richard Long, Eva Rothschild and Ai Weiwei. In 2011 I initiated a second project space, St Carthage Hall, located in the town of Lismore. This gallery, has presented a varied programme of exhibitions including works by Cecily Brennan, Camille Henrot, Superflex and William McKeown. Lismore Castle Arts is situated in the historic gardens of Lismore Castle and includes permanent works by Roger Hiorns, Marie Lund and Franz West.
As Director of Lismore Castle Arts, I was responsible for the strategic management of the gallery and programme, liaison with artists, gallerists and art collectors, and programming arts events and arts education activities amongst other activities.
For more information, see Lismore Castle Arts