Exhibition Preview: The Art of Ulster 1900 - 2000

An exhibition charting how local art evolved throughout the course of the 20th century is set to open at the Ava Gallery in Clandeboye Estate, Bangor on March 9, offering a visual snapshot of Ulster over 100 years.

Starting with the traditional Northern Irish school of landscape painters, featured artists from the early 1900s include James Humbert Craig, Frank McKelvey, and the mystic George William Russell (Æ), from Lurgan.

Amongst the mid-century works is 'The Startled Bird' by Derry-born artist Norah McGuinness, which debuted at the annual RHA exhibition in Dublin before travelling abroad as part of international exhibitions in Monaco and New York.

The 'Art of the Troubles' represents the latter half of the century, with works by Dermot Seymour, Micky Donnelly, Jack Pakenham, Brian Ferran, Ross Wilson and Victor Sloan, plus sculptures from F.E. McWilliam's 'Banner' series.

Forming the centrepiece of the exhibition are over 40 pieces from the studio of late Belfast artist Basil Blackshaw, who died last May. The array of mediums, from oil to pencil, reflect periods of the 'poet in paint''s career.

The exhibition is presented by Irish art auctioneers Adams ahead its Important Irish Art auction in Dublin on March 29. For more information on the event visit www.adams.ie.