The American Irish Historical Society in New York City Presents 'Dubh/Dialogues in Black' -- A One-of-a-Kind Exhibition That Pairs Works by Ireland's Finest Contemporary Designers and Artists With American Peers

DUBLIN, IRELAND and NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Oct 4, 2011) - A distinctive exhibition that pairs works by Ireland's finest contemporary designers and artists with those of select American peers, will open this week at the American Irish Historical Society [AIHS] in NYC. 'Dubh/Dialogues in Black,' the brainchild of influential Irish designer Joseph Walsh, is the second in a sequence of three events to be presented by AIHS at its historic Fifth Avenue location. Collectively, they place the work of Ireland's emerging and established artists within a wider context for international audiences. 'Dubh' [Gaelic for black], was conceived to inspire dialogue between the works of Irish and American artists and designers. By limiting color to black, the common language of the group is more artfully revealed. The black backdrop also better illuminates the individual approaches taken by the artists to single elements.

Curated by Brian Kennedy, 'Dubh' will run until Nov. 13. The collection will then return to Ireland where it will be shown at the Oliver Sears Gallery in Dublin from Feb. 2 to Mar. 15, 2012.

The exhibition looks at black as a physical and emotional starting point for a group of Irish and American artists, craftspeople and designers. Pairing people representing diverse disciplines that range from architecture, ceramics, furniture, glass and jewelry to metal, painting, photography, textiles and wood, the collection features work from Ireland's most interesting creative voices in dialogue with their American peers.

'Dubh' follows 'MATERIALPoetry,' the first exhibition in the sequence which ran in the fall of 2010. Plans for the final exhibition, 'Constructed Passions,' are already well underway. The events are facilitated by the AIHS in association with Ireland-based STUDIO Practice. The initiative is supported by Enterprise Ireland, the government organization responsible for the development and growth of Irish businesses in international markets. Other supporters include: Culture Ireland; the Crafts Council of Ireland; the embassy of the United States of America, Dublin; CIT Crawford College of Art & Design, and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

"As a national center of scholarship and culture, and a focal point for the contemporary transatlantic experience, it's fitting for the AIHS to present this exceptional collection," said AIHS Executive Director, Christopher Cahill. "While hints of Ireland's ancient artistic traditions can be found in some of these thoroughly modern designs, what's novel is how they transform accepted notions of how Irish art, craft and design is and might be. Equally inspiring is how the works stand tall in dialogue with those of their American peers. We're proud and delighted to show this collection which is sure to challenge conventional perceptions of Irish art while inspiring new appreciation."

"Within the Irish DNA, conversation is a deeply embedded trait," said Joseph Walsh, founder of STUDIO Practice. 'Dubh' exploits this national attribute to salute the vision and spirit that characterize Irish art and design. It's an elegant way to elevate the unique, beautiful and unusual, while simultaneously revealing common threads that link the world's creative minds. We're pleased to partner with the AIHS and grateful for their support. If the success of 'MATERIALPoetry' is any measure, we're confident that many will enjoy this unusual collection."

To learn more about the American Irish Historical Society, please visit www.aihs.org.
To learn more about STUDIO Practice, please visit www.studiopractice.ie.
To learn more about Enterprise Ireland, please visit www.enterprise-ireland.com.