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About this Exhibition
Perhaps more than at any time in the past, many of us view ourselves as descendants of (and in some way inheritors of) a culture or cultures, which complement and enrich our more obvious current culture. Our transcultural image of ourselves allows objects, places and events to be examined through complimentary or contrasting filters, expanding perspective on Aristotle’s view that “the aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance".
On the occasion of the TransCultural Exchange's 2016 International Conference on Opportunities in the Arts: Expanding Worlds (Feb. 25 to 27), Irish artist Tommy Barr presents a selection of paintings that draws on the French Huguenot legacy in Ireland to explore the way our transcultural image of ourselves enflames creativity.
About Tommy Barr
Tommy Barr is a Northern Ireland-based painter who has spent most of his working life in the small towns on the outskirts of the capital city, Belfast.
Tommy’s works rely on symbolism, reflecting the world around him via a distinctive and personal form of abstraction which frequently draws upon heritage. In discussing his work, Clodagh Doyle, Curator at the National Museum of Ireland observes that, “the land determines the people’s existence and shapes an identity linking them to the landscape. Tommy’s works further define our connection to our land, to our beliefs and to our identity.”
Tommy is an internationally recognized artist who has exhibited extensively across Europe, the Middle East and beyond. He considers travel an essential part of his practice, finding inspiration in the lives of those he meets and the places they inhabit.
Tommy’s works are held in major public collections, including the national galleries of Jordan and Bulgaria and the national museums of Ireland and Romania. He has presented illustrated talks on Irish art from the prehistoric to the contemporary. Tommy is a member of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences and of the International Society of Speleological Artists.
Find out more about the artist
Above: Greyfriars © Tommy Barr.
Gallery Hours
Wednesday & Thursday, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PMFriday by appointment
Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Free and Open to the Public
About the TransCultural Exchange Conference
The 2016 International Conference on Opportunities in the Arts: Expanding Worlds is an event that brings together artists, curators, scientists, gallery owners, funders, critics, artist-in-residency directors and those from other fields looking to work with artists. Panelists will speak about their international residency programs, provide practical advice, discuss how art can play a vital role in social and political interventions and promote ways for artists to collaborate with those in other disciplines, including medicine, architecture, conservation and engineering. Round Table discussions will give artists with similar interests the chance to meet, network and talk about their work; and portfolio reviews with the speakers, gallery owners and critics will supply additional venues for artists to showcase their work.
February 25-27, 2016
at Boston University
Find out more about the 2016 International Conference.
Call for Artists
Our art exhibition program showcases local and international artists whose work has a connection with French and Francophone culture.
Whether you draw your inspiration from an artistic movement, a specific artist, a subject or a technique, you can submit your work for an opportunity to present your art to the public in our elegant brownstone's gallery in the heart of Back Bay, for month-long exhibitions from September through June.
Artists and projects are selected by a committee of art professionals, artists and art connoisseurs who meet twice a year. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
To submit your work please refer to the Call for Artists in which you will find a detailed description of requirements and conditions.
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