Sheela Gowda Retrospective Coming to the IMMA

The Irish Museum of Modern Art presents Open Eye Policy, a major retrospective of the work of renowned Indian artist Sheela Gowda.

The exhibition, co-curated by Annie Fletcher and Grant Watson, opens on the 5th April, and is an overview of the acclaimed artist’s work from 1992 to 2012, presenting art works never before exhibited together.

Gowda was nominated this year for the Hugo Boss Prize and her work in this exhibition can be divided into different sections, that include works with cow dung and big and small installations, which are at the same time interlinked.

Born in India in 1957, Gowda originally trained as a painter but now works with a large variety of media and material which are often presented as installations. She currently lives and works in Bangalore, and her work has previously been exhibited at the likes of the Singapore Biennial 2011 and in galleries such as InIVA London, NAS Gallery Sydney and Bose Pacia Gallery in New York.

The exhibition allows for a proper evaluation of the significance of historical and cultural influences on the artist’s work and some of the most striking pieces include large-scale installations Some Place and Kagebangara (see lead image), which are made from materials such as flattened tar barrels, metal piping and woven hair ropes.

Sheela Gowda, Open Eye Policy, runs until 22nd June at IMMA. Admission is free and there are a series of talks to accompany the exhibition including the ‘Artist Response’ on 11th April, and ‘What is Installation Art…?’ on 24th May. Booking is essential for all talks – please call 01 612 9918 to confirm your place.

CONTACT DETAILS
Irish Museum of Modern Art
Royal Hospital
Military Road
Kilmainham
Dublin 8

Tel: 01 612 9900