Landmark exhibition Mondrian opens at National Gallery of Ireland

First ever Irish exhibition of works by pre-eminent Dutch artist

This winter at the National Gallery of Ireland, visitors will have the chance to see a new exhibition of major works at Mondrian. Featuring loans from extraordinary holdings of the Kuntstmuseum Den Haag, the exhibition opens on 1 December 2020.

Dutch painter Piet Mondrian (1872-1944) was one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. This exhibition is the first of the artist’s work to be held in Ireland. It offers the public a rare opportunity to see these important paintings close to home. From Mondrian’s little known early landscapes to his famous abstract paintings with their black and white grids and primary colours, the exhibition features art from across every period of a fascinating career. As well as 40 paintings by Mondrian, the exhibition features a selection of works by De Stijl artists Theo van Doesburg, Bart van der Leck, and Gerrit Rietveld. 

Sean Rainbird, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland and co-curator of this exhibition, commented: “We’re thrilled to be able to open this wonderful exhibition at the National Gallery of Ireland, after what has been a challenging year. Our visitors will be able to discover a selection of Mondrian’s famous grid paintings which are so carefully and beautifully painted, and dynamically balanced between their colour planes and black and white grids. His artistic progress and programme was one of the heroic stories of modern art. We also hope to surprise those who are very familiar with the artist’s later, more familiar paintings with earlier, lesser known works made while he was still living and working in the Netherlands.”

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, commented: "I am delighted to welcome the Mondrian exhibition to the National Gallery of Ireland and I would encourage as many people to experience it and enjoy it in the safest way possible in line with Government recommendations. It truly is a unique insight into one of the pioneers of the abstract movement and an artistic reflection on a life lived through both World Wars in the Netherlands, Paris, London and New York."

An innovative programme of events will run alongside Mondrian for those who would like to learn more about the artist or the exhibition. Family workshops, podcasts and online talks will take place online. Exhibition resources for people with dementia and their carers, as well as for teachers and schools will also be available online. Although tours are not currently running at the Gallery, a number of special online tours will be launched including a visually described tour and pop-up talks.

Entry to all exhibitions year-round is free for Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland. A dynamic online programme for members will accompany Mondrian. A wide range of Mondrian-themed gifts and products are available in the Gallery Shop and online Shop, including Mondrian face coverings.

This exhibition is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Media contact:
Kate O’Leary, Communications, National Gallery of Ireland [email protected] / 087 334 1587

Notes to Editor:

• Images are available on request. 
• Exhibition curators Sean Rainbird (Director) and Janet McLean (Curator of European Art, 1850-1950) are available for interview. 

Exhibition listing:
Mondrian
Opens: 1 December 2020 
Closes: 14 February 2021
Beit Wing, National Gallery of Ireland
Curators: Sean Rainbird & Janet McLean
Tickets €5 - €18 | Friends of the National Gallery and children go free
Supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. 

Visitor information at the National Gallery of Ireland:
No advance booking required for entry to permanent collection. Before 5.15pm, entry via Merrion Square entrance only. After 5.15pm on Tuesday - Friday, for Mondrian and Shop extended hours, entry via Clare Street entrance only; rest of Gallery closes at 5.30pm. Sanitising facilities at all entry points and throughout Gallery. Tours and audio guides are not available but online versions of Gallery initiatives will be online. Lifts available but for single use or disability access only. Cloakrooms are closed.

About the National Gallery of Ireland:
The National Gallery of Ireland is one of the country’s most popular visitor attractions housing the nation’s collection of European and Irish art from about 1300 to the present day, and an extensive Library & Archive. Entry to the collection is free for all to enjoy, learn and be inspired.

National Gallery at Home:
For those who are unable to visit the National Gallery of Ireland at the moment, there are many ways to engage with the national collection online. ‘National Gallery at Home’ includes videos, Works of the Day, Mindfulness and Art, and at-home activities connected to the national collection. Virtual tours of iconic spaces such as the Shaw Room and the Grand Gallery, as well as exhibitions Irish Horse and Murillo: The Prodigal Son Restored, can also be explored from home. Find out more at www.nationalgallery.ie