Art fair to feature work of 2,500 artists

Bacon and beans: art for all tastes at RDS

FRANCIS BACON, Damien Hirst and Bono are among the 2,500 artists whose works are on sale in Dublin this weekend.

The inaugural Dublin Art Fair is open to the public at the RDS, Ballsbridge, from today in an event that hopes to attract established collectors, new buyers and browsers.

The artists, represented by 58 Irish and international galleries, range from modern masters to emerging talents.

Two paintings by Francis Bacon will be on sale, including a study of a bullfight.

A piece by James Brophy from Gormley’s Fine Art has a price tag of €60,000.

Other high-priced artworks include a piece by painter Hughie O’Donoghue for €35,000 and a piece by Irish-born artist Sean Scully for about €35,000.

Other notable artists whose works will be on display include Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst, and Irish artists Pauline Bewick and Graham Knuttel. Illustrations by Bono for his project Peter and the Wolf will also be on sale.

Emerging artist have also been selected by art curator Pádraic E Moore, son of Kildare singer Christy Moore, for the shows “curators’ space”.

An exhibition space for installations from emerging artists will feature an origami installation from Dublin-born artist Oisín Byrne. His exhibition includes suspended origami with light boxes, pin-prick drawings and hanging objects.

Norwegian artist Magnhild Opdol’s installation will feature wall drawings and sculptural pieces.

“With Project Platform, our intention is to support the careers of emerging and upcoming artists and collectives, by showcasing their talent in a unique and interesting way,” said organiser Maria McMenamin of Art Ireland.

The art fair runs at the RDS Main Hall, Ballsbridge, and is open until 9pm tonight and from 11am to 7pm tomorrow and Sunday. The ticket price of €15 is waived for children and pensioners.