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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:
Aslan by Terry Bradley
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Terry Bradley was born in Belfast and grew up on the Shankill Road where his mother tried to keep him inside and away from the Troubles. Terry began to paint as a way to calm his nerves and to escape the pressures of everyday life. His latest works are inspired by the era of the Belle Époque in France and the contrasts and similarities with the Burlesque dancers of New York, as well as exploring the colourful characters from the Belfast dockland area known as 'Sailortown'. Terry told us: "I am very passionate about my home City of Belfast and many of my paintings reflect the hard-working men and strong women who have influenced me growing up.
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"I am very proud to have my work exhibited in the Northern Ireland Executive Office in Brussels."
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We are delighted to have a number of Terry's remarkable pieces featured in our office, including 'Aslan', 'Home' and 'Pain and Sorrow'. You can explore more of Terry's work here.
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Brilliant Book:
Country by Michael Hughes
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County Armagh-born author Michael Hughes's thrilling second novel Country re-visits the final days of the Troubles, through the intriguing lens of Greek mythology. Described as a 'hard, rigorous and necessary book' by the Irish Times, in Country Hughes turns to The Iliad as an access point to writing about war and the Troubles. Michael has said: "I realised I needed to write about men at war and my way of dealing with that was to try and read my way into it". Country was awarded the 2018 London Hellenic Prize for the best original work relating to or inspired by Greece or Hellenic culture and was shortlisted for the EU Prize for Literature. It was chosen as a Book of the Year in the Guardian, TLS and New Statesman. You can learn more about the author and his compelling books here.
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Charming Craft:
Framed Ceramic by Jakki Trainor
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Figment Ceramics is a ceramic design studio based in rural Bryansford, County Down, founded in 2016 by designer and maker Jakki Trainor. Jakki’s artwork focuses on flora, fauna and folklore and the ability of clay to hold marks. She produces plaques and framed ceramics of animals and landscapes under the name of 'Figment'. Jakki’s passions for storytelling, folklore, pattern and impressed decoration are combined to build her trademark style along with her palette of shimmering green and blue glazes. Jakki aims to tell a story in every tile and panel, beginning with reality and then taking the viewer on a journey into their own imagination. Jakki told us: "‘The Mournes’ is a mini ceramic panel featuring the iconic view of the Mourne Mountains from Murlough Beach, a favourite place of mine to walk, seal watch and swim.
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Mid week,early morning is a lovely time to visit when the beach is deserted, the sky and water are crystal clear and the only sounds are wind, waves, seabirds and singing seals!" Explore Jakki's wonderful collection of ceramics 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, in collaboration with the Arts Council of NI. 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. Tickets are available now at BozarPlay.
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