top of page

Irish Art Forms

Writer's picture: An Hata GormAn Hata Gorm


I. Introduction

A. Definition of art in Irish tradition


In short, it is art produced on the island of Ireland and by artists from Ireland. The term includes typically Irish-born artists as well as immigrants settled in Ireland.


B. Overview of the significance of art in Irish culture


Irish art began to take shape in the impression of Neolithic stone carvings built around 3300 BCE at the Newgrange megalithic tomb, part of the Brú na Bóinne complex in County Meath.




Trade links with Britain and Northern Europe Irish culture was increasingly influenced by the newly arrived La Tène culture and Celtic art to Ireland in about 300 BC, primarily due to their iron-making skills.


Ireland became a haven for the uninterrupted development of Celtic art and crafts despite regular trade with Roman Britain. Its art was neither displaced by Greco-Roman art nor destroyed in the ensuing "Dark Ages" (c.400-800) when Roman power ended to exit in Europe. Celtic culture, therefore, remained unbroken. It retained its own oral, historical and mythological traditions.


A significant achievement of Irish art is the creation of stunning illuminated manuscripts, like the Book of Kells. These works feature intricately illustrated Biblical scenes with lavishly decorated panels and "carpet" pages. The designs include Celtic animal motifs, knotwork, and human faces, executed precisely and often embellished with gold and silver leaf.




Since the 12th century, Ireland has faced challenges in contributing to European visual art to reflect its earlier achievements. These challenges can be primarily attributed to the colonial ambitions of Norman, British, and later Scottish settlers.


In the early 18th Century, Irish painting first established itself in portrait art. Fifty years later, the advent of topographical landscape paintings started.

The appearance of a new generation of Indigenous Irish artists gradually emerged in 1900-1940. The avant-garde Society of Dublin Painters was formed by Mary Swanzy (1882-1978), Mainie Jellett (1897-1944) and Evie Hone (1894-1955).





C. Thesis statement


Art plays a vital role in preserving and celebrating Irish tradition

Artistic expressions have served as a vessel for cultural memory.

Like a mirror, art serves as a reflection of the culture and traditions of the country the artist chooses to represent.

0 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Σχόλια


  • Soundcloud

©2020 by An Hata Gorm. Proudly created with Wix.com

  • Instagram
  • YouTube
bottom of page