Graham Gingles: The Theatre of Secrets

16 October 2021 – 19 February 2022

The F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is delighted to present Graham Gingles: The Theatre of Secrets. Over the last five decades, Graham Gingles (b. Larne, 1943), has produced a unique body of work that has consistently challenged established definitions of sculpture. This major exhibition, curated by Brian McAvera, Feargal O’Malley and Riann Coulter, aims to confirm Gingles place in the canon of Irish, British and international art and to introduce the wider public to his compelling work.

Gingles’ sculptural practice focuses on the construction of three-dimensional environments contained within vitrines or architectural boxes. Initially reminiscent of dolls’ houses, closer examination reveals tableaus that represent the artist’s meditations on love, conflict and death. Almost entirely hand-made, they display Gingles exquisite craftsmanship and black humour. The first boxes, dating from the early 1970s, presented scenarios about the Troubles and were Gingles attempt to make sense of the horrors that were unfolding around him.  Since then, he has chronicled his life and times through the construction of these mesmerizing miniature worlds.

Featuring key works from public and private collections throughout Ireland and the UK, the exhibition is accompanied by the first major book on Gingles work written by Brian McAvera.