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We hope you will enjoy our 'Wee Weekly ABC' guide to the wonderful selection of Art, Books and Crafts from Northern Ireland we are lucky to have on display in the Northern Ireland Executive Office in Brussels.
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Amazing Art:
Top of the Road by Rosie McGurran
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Rosie McGurran was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and received her degree in Fine Art from the University of Ulster in 1992. She was a member of Queen Street Studios, Belfast, in the 1990s before re-locating to the small village of Roundstone on the west coast of Ireland in 2000. From there she runs a gallery and an annual island residency, the Inishlacken Project, for artists from around the world. She has received many awards and bursaries for her work; the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Fellowship to the British School at Rome, the Victor Treacy Award, and the Conor Prize at the Royal Ulster Academy. Rosie told us: "I am delighted to be included in the collection of art at the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels.
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"This work is part of a series I have been making while observing the area where I grew up in South Belfast. It doesn't claim to be a faithful representation, I prefer to open the walls of houses, add windows and outdoor stairs in a playful manner. I am fascinated by the wealth of beautiful old buildings on the Ormeau Road which also in turn evoke childhood memories for me." Learn more about Rosie and her distinctive artworks here.
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Brilliant Book:
The Midnight Killing by Sharon Dempsey
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Described by Brian McGilloway as "a twisting tale of intrigue that never lets up", the The Midnight Killing follows on from Sharon Dempsey's gripping and unputdownable Who Took Eden Mulligan, and sees the return of Belfast duo, DI Danny Stowe and forensic psychologist Rose Lainey. Set in Northern Ireland, the book takes the reader on a thrilling journey to discover the sinister truth that links an apparent suicide in the local school grounds to a 20-year-old cold case of a missing girl, and a teenage party. Sharon is a Belfast based writer of both fiction and non-fiction books and tutors creative writing at Queen’s University Belfast. Sharon told us: "My latest book, The Midnight Killing, is about a group of friends who make a terrible decision that has repercussions throughout their lives. These friends have all the trappings of a comfortable life.
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"I was interested in exploring how they will do anything to hold on to their privileged existence. Toxic friendships and long buried secrets makes for an explosive combination! Writing can be a solitary experience so knowing that the book is finding readers near and far is so rewarding. To know my book is on display at the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive is so heartening. It’s as if ONIEB is taking the time to showcase our writers and homegrown talent, showing the rest of the world what we can do." Sharon's nail-bitingly exciting novels can be purchased here.
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Charming Craft:
Potato Masher by Stephen Ryan
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Stephen Ryan from Green Woodwork Ireland, based in the heart of Belfast’s Lagan Valley, has had a passion for woodcraft from an early age, starting his career as a church pipe organ builder, culminating in over twenty years of professional experience and a BA Honours in Furniture Design. He has practiced many forms of woodwork over the years, including Furniture Design, Furniture Restoration, Woodcarving and Woodturning. Stephen is helping to revive an ancient form of woodland craft that has been practiced for thousands of years but has long since disappeared from our woodlands and workshops. He now focuses on the use of handtools only to produce furniture, decorative carving, woodturnings and carved spoons, from locally grown green (unseasoned) and dry (seasoned) woods. Get to know more about Stephen's beautifully intricate designs here.
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Dazzling Drama:
Removed by Prime Cut Productions
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On Wednesday 15th February 2023, the Office of the NI Executive in Brussels will be delighted to welcome Northern Ireland’s leading theatre company, Prime Cut Productions, for a performance of REMOVED at the BOZAR theatre. REMOVED is a funny, moving and shocking insight into the experiences of a young man sharing his story of living within the state care system. This event is supported by the Arts Council Northern Ireland and the Brussels Platform.
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