Who put the ugly signage at the main entrance? A poor choice.
If you are travelling to Bilbao be sure to visit the amazing Guggenheim Bilbao. The stunning architecture, designed by Frank Gehry, is a joy to the eye and a knock out blow to the senses. The curved titanium, glass and limestone museum regenerated life and activity to Bilbao’s run down industrial area. It brings in large numbers of tourists too. But it is a joy just to walk around and savour with your eyes. It gives so many photographic opportunities both inside and out.
Inside is as stunning as the exterior. Vast glazed atriums, curved limestone block and plaster walls and rising steel grids nearly overwhelm the visitor. Spend time experiencing the curves, the openings, the curved gangways that lead you to the different galleries.
The art collections are of course terrific. And a big bonus for me was to see Irish artist and fellow Dubliner, Jesse Jones, showing a huge film and sculpture work that runs until March 2020. ‘Tremble Tremble’ is a really big impressive art work using film, sculpture and performance. Originally shown at the Irish Pavillion at the Venice Biennale and has travelled to other locations since. The very powerful and dominating figure of the ’witch’ is played by the brilliant Olwen Fouéré. Scary. Very scary. We watched the proceedings in a very dark room where we are gently ushered by a swishing encircling net curtain. I go to many video presentations and I am too often underwhelmed and disappointed. This time I was mesmerised and I was struck too that nearly everyone that entered the space remained until the piece finished. Well done Jesse Jones.
And as I think of it Jesse Jones is showing at the amazing Highlanes Gallery in Drogheda at the moment, where I recently spent some time photographing the exhibition. A very powerful group exhibition Elliptical Affinities: Irish Women Artists and the Politics of the Body.
If you can’t make Bilbao, Highlanes is a great alternative.
Some of the work on show in Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda until January 25 2020.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of photography do give me a shout.
Eugene Langan Photography, Studio Eight, 32 North Brunswick St., Dublin 7. D07 TWX3. Ireland
e-mail: langan@indigo.ie - tel: 353(0)872597907 - web: www.eugenelangan.com