Exhibition
I see his blood upon the rose
8 Nov 2024-30 Mar 2025
The MAC Belfast
Belfast, Northern Ireland BT1 2NJ
John Currin, Rosebush, 2003, Oil on canvas, 61.5 x 52 cm, Courtesy Sadie Coles HQ, London
Overview
Alvaro Barrington, Paola Bernardelli, Bernie Boston, John Currin, Mary Delany, Micky Donnelly, Tracey Emin, Michael Landy, Linder, Judith Linhares, Robert Mapplethorpe, Darren Murray, Mario Nuzzi, Gavin O’Curry, Ted Pim, Rachel Ruysch, Penny Slinger, Jo Spence, Jennifer Trouton, Ria Verhaeghe.
A MAC exhibition across all three galleries that traces the history of the flower in art, its evolution from botanical illustrations to the opulent still-life paintings of the 17th century, their adoption as symbols of political influence, revolution, and human control over nature.
Throughout the history of art, the depiction of floral and botanical subjects has captivated artists and audiences alike.
I see his blood upon the rose traces the history of the flower in art, its evolution from botanical illustrations to the opulent still-life paintings of the 17th century, their adoption as symbols of political influence, revolution, and human control over nature. Floral motifs were used for the advancement of women’s suffrage, Irelands Easter Rising and in opposition to the Vietnam War.
In addition to significant historical paintings,the exhibition will include important works by contemporary artists for whom the subject has remained an enduring interest.
I see his blood upon the rose will present intriguing juxtapositions between artists and works spanning centuries. Central to the exhibition is the work of two remarkable women artists, Rachel Ruysch (1664 – 1750) and Mary Delany (1700 – 1788).
The exhibition will explore the influence of these trail blazing artists by juxtaposing their meticulously executed works alongside internationally recognised contemporary artists such as Alvaro Barrington, Tracey Emin, Michael Landy, Robert Mapplethorpe, John Currin as well as Northern Irish based artists Jennifer Trouton, Ted Pim and Paola Bernardelli whose practice draws on Ruysch and Delany’s master of the genera.