Photo courtesy of the Gerard Byrne Studio
By David Prendeville
Faced with gallery closure due to Covid-19 pandemic, The Gerard Byrne studio in Ranelagh has opened its door virtually to let people explore Gerard’s latest collection of botanical paintings predominantly from his Artist-in-Residence at the Singapore Botanic Gardens August/September 2019.
On display is the “BOTANICAL FUSION. Singapore to Dublin” exhibition with 42 paintings, which are spread across four gallery rooms.
The physical exhibition was launched on 27th February 2020 by Mr Ron Bolger, Honorary Consul General of Singapore in Ireland. Sadly, two weeks later the gallery had to be closed. Therefore not many people actually got an opportunity to see the work in person.
The exhibition was curated by The Gerard Byrne Studio, co-hosted by the Singapore Botanic Gardens and the Irish Embassy to Singapore and supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs. It was seen by over 50,000 visitors to the Gardens as a part of the commemorative celebration of the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ 160 years in existence. Moreover, the exhibition formed part of the Government’s 2025 Asia Pacific Strategy to increase Ireland’s visibility in the Asia Pacific region. Visitors can expect to see new works which show great contrast between the Singapore Botanic Gardens and the National Botanic Garden of Ireland.
Photo courtesy of the Gerard Byrne Studio
The virtual tour gives an opportunity to take a leisurely stroll through the gallery rooms from the comfort of your own home. The physical gallery may be temporarily closed, but people can transport themselves behind its walls where they are free to navigate and explore the works on display at their own pace.
Photo courtesy of the Gerard Byrne Studio
The 360 virtual tour of the gallery launches this Friday June 5th at www.gerardbyrneartist.com
