In this exhibition of new work, celebrated Irish sculptor John Behan continues with themes of emigration and the displacement of people, and imagery which depicts the plight of current day migrants and refugees. Over the past two years Behan has made frequent visits to Athens to volunteer at Camp Eleonas, a Greek state-run centre for migrants, delivering art workshops to adults and children arriving into Europe from Iraq, Syria and sub-Saharan Africa. This exhibition includes new works made in response to these experiences alongside examples of Behan's now-iconic Famine Ships and Oarboats.
Due to the latest Level 5 restrictions, JOHN BEHAN's exhibition will be presented online-only until which time we can re-open our doors and welcome collectors and visitors back to the gallery. In the meantime, please click the video link below for a virtual tour of the exhibition or scroll further down to view individual artwork photos and prices:
John Behan RHA is firmly established as a sculptor of international stature and can be credited with playing a major part in the development of sculpture in Ireland over the last fifty years. Born in Dublin in 1938, he began an apprenticeship in metalwork and welding before moving on to formal training at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, Ealing Art College in London and the Royal Academy School in Oslo. He has been awarded many honours over the years and became a member of the Royal Hibernian Academy in 1990, having been an Associate of the Academy since 1973. He is also a member of Aosdána and was conferred an honorary Doctor of Literature by NUI Galway in 2000.
Behan is known for his remarkable and numerous public sculptures, such as the monumental ‘National Famine Memorial’ in County Mayo and the life-size ‘Arrival’ ship sited outside the United Nations building in New York – a gift to the UN from the Irish Government in 2000 (see below). His work is included in many private collections including that of President Michael D Higgins, former Presidents Mary McAleese & Mary Robinson, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and Bill & Hillary Clinton; also Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane, the Crawford Municipal Gallery and the National Gallery of Ireland. SCROLL DOWN THIS PAGE FOR MORE INFO.
Due to public health restrictions preventing most people from travel, we would like to offer alternative ways of viewing the exhibition;
- view the video above or click here: https://solomon-web-g6.artlogic.net/exhibitions/53-john-behan-rha-migrants/video/
- please telephone us on +353 (0)86 8142380 if you'd like us to bring artworks on appro to your home or workplace;
- we can walk you around the exhibition via Zoom/Skype/FaceTime video call;
- you can view the exhibition 24 hours a day through our shopfront windows;
- or we will be in the gallery throughout the week operating a 'Click & Collect' service if you have any queries.
Once restrictions are lifted, we hope to have a 'finissage' event with the artist John Behan present to meet guests and collectors on Thursday 3 December. Please subscribe to our mailing list for more info.
* Worldwide packing & shipping service available
JOHN BEHAN RHA: MIGRANTS
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MAJOR PUBLIC SCULPTURES
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REVIEWS / NEWSPAPER & TV REPORTS
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NEWS / PRESS COVERAGE
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PRESIDENT HIGGINS LAUNCHES BEHAN SHOW
Social photos from the Private View 27 October 2022 October 28, 2022We were hugely honoured to welcome President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and Mrs Sabina Higgins to the gallery to formally open John Behan's solo show 'The Way It Is'.... -
Business Post: Fine Arts
Philip Carton: CATCH BEHAN IN DUBLIN THIS NOVEMBER November 6, 2022SUNDAY BUSINESS POST FINE ARTS Catch Behan and Coulter in Dublin this November New works in bronze by John Behan will be on show at the Solomon Gallery, while an... -
The Phoenix | Art.. the Long-Term Investment
Savings & Investments March 26, 2021There is an old adage about only buyign art that you love rather than for investment, , because of posterity’s judgement. Following this advice means that you will be guaranteed... -
GLOSS MAGAZINE: Artistic License
Interview with John Behan December 9, 2020Artistic License: John Behan by PENNY MCCORMICK AS IRELAND’S MOST RENOWNED CONTEMPORARY SCULPTOR JOHN BEHAN’S WORK OFTEN REFERENCES IRISH HISTORY. IN HIS NEW EXHIBITION “MIGRANTS” AT SOLOMON FINE ART, BEHAN... -
JOHN BEHAN RHA: NEW WORK UNVEILED BY PRESIDENT HIGGINS
President Higgins unveils new work in the offices of the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the UN October 1, 2019Irish President Michael D. Higgins unveiled a sculpture by Irish sculptor John Behan at the United Nations Headquarters in New York this week. 'Migrant Boat, Off Sicily' will be placed... -
JOHN BEHAN ON RTE NATIONWIDE
TV programme features interview with artists and a look inside the foundry February 8, 2019On Wednesday 6 February, RTÉ's Nationwide programme screened a special feature on artist John Behan, focusing on his current projects and his ongoing work with refugees in Athens. The programme... -
NEAR FM: INTERVIEW WITH JOHN BEHAN
Barbara Jennings talks to sculptor John Behan about his exhibition at the Solomon November 7, 2018NEAR FM on 90.3FM Radio Interview Barbara Jennings talks to sculptor John Behan about his exhibition at the Solomon Gallery. Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 9:26 —... -
Celebrate Behan at 80
Sunday Business Post November 4, 2018 -
John Behan - the weeks cultural highlight
RTÉ Radio 1’s Today Show November 2, 2018Culture Preview On RTE Radio 1’s Today Show, Miriam O’Callaghan (standing in for Sean O’Rourke) discussed the cultural highlights of the week with Edel Coffey, Freelance Journalist and Brian Reddin,... -
I Don't Give a Damn What Age I am, I still want to do this
John Behan interview in Sunday Independent October 28, 2018I don't give a damn what age I am, I want to do this...' As he approaches 80, sculptor John Behan is busier than ever. A new show, a... -
Raging Bull Charges On
John Behan article in Sunday Times October 28, 2018Raging bull sculptor John Behan charges on The new exhibition from John Behan shows the sculptor has lost none of his anger at injustice John P O’Sullivan The Sunday Times... -
PRESIDENT MICHAEL D HIGGINS ATTENDS JOHN BEHAN OPENING
Social photos from the event - click main photo below to open slideshow October 26, 2018We had the immense honour of welcoming President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina to the gallery last night for the opening of John Behan’s solo show 'The Seven... -
John Behan longlisted for Savills Prize
VUE Artfair October 8, 2018The list of nominees for the Savills Prize at VUE Art Fair 2018 (Nov 1-4, RHA Dublin) was revealed in the Sunday Business Post magazine yesterday. Congrats to John Behan... -
John Behan Working With Migrants in Greece
Irish Sculptor Draws on Ireland's Painful Past June 20, 2018Greek Reporter: report by Declan McVeigh - June 20, 2018 An influential Irish sculptor whose creations have been inspired by his country’s traumatic experience of famine and forced emigration was... -
John Behan Review
Aidan Dunne, Irish Times October 21, 2016Behan sculpts a Rising vision Review: John Behan at the Solomon Tue, Nov 8, 2016, 06:00 Aidan Dunne John Behan’s “The Bull of Easter II”: “an ingenious amalgam of biology... -
Deconstructing John Behan
Irish Arts Review: interview with Brian McAvera November 1, 2013Technical developments enable artistic development’: John Behan reflects on the circumstances which spurred his move to sculpture, in conversation here with Brian McAvera B McA: How did you become... -
JOHN BEHAN: Retrospection
Sunday Times Review by Cristín Leach Hughes September 29, 2013 -
The Fine Art of Going Forward
Sunday Independent interview with John Behan September 8, 2013the fine art of going forward Emily Hourican 8 September 2013 Although approaching his 75th birthday, sculptor John Behan has the round, cherubic face of a man far younger. More...
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