The work of emerging artists go on display at the yet to be completed Royal Hibernian Academy building in Dublin.
The Guinness Peat Aviation (GPA) Emerging Artists Show for 1984 is a display of works from young emerging Irish artists The exhibition is at the Royal Hibernian Academy building that is to be completed soon.
Some of the works are modern in style. In other words, they're creations which bemuse the more traditional and conservative art lovers.
Noel Sheridan, Chairman of the GPA advisory committee, had the job of selecting the seven prize winners. He says the winners were chosen for the potential in their work. Four of the winners received £5,000 each and three more winners received £1,600.
One of the £5,000 award winners was Robert Armstrong. Noel Sheridan says of this artist,
I think Robert Armstrong is a very good figurative painter. He really paints well.
Robert Armstrong plans to use his winnings to fund a trip to Papua New Guinea. He is particularly interested in how the people of Papua New Guinea decorate themselves through the use of elaborate body painting.
Another winner Anne Crowley was influenced by German expressionism while at art college. Noel Sheridan praises her interpretation of a historical genre of painting. She plans to use her prize money to to fund further study at the Hunter College in New York and possibly pursue a PhD.
Limerick native John Shinnors plans to use his £5,000 winnings to study. stained-glass techniques.
Sculptor Martin Folan was the fourth winner of the £5,000 prize money. Noel Sheridan describes these works as celebratory and contemporary providing an affinity for music lovers.
How will this and the work of the other artists be regarded in 40 years time?
Noel Sheridan says it is difficult to know what future generations will think of contemporary art.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 27 September 1984. The reporter is Alasdair Jackson.
