The
Glenstal Abbey Gallery
Glenstal Gallery hosts its inaugural exhibition of the art of Br
Benedict Tutty in this newly created exhibition space.
Singing the Marrow Bone
EXHIBITION OPENING HOURS
July 7th - August 29th 2009
Each Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday from 2-5pm
An exhibition of the metalwork, ceramics, sculpture, drawings and
paintings of Benedictine monk Benedict Tutty will take place at Glenstal
Abbey Gallery from July 17th to August 29th. The exhibition celebrates
the creativity and rich artistic legacy of this monk who created
both liturgical and personal work from his workshop in Glenstal Abbey
for over 30 years.
The exhibition provides the first opportunity since Brother Benedict’s
death in 1996 to view his artistry in a dedicated gallery space that
was recently refurbished at Glenstal Abbey. Metalsmith and curator
Kevin O’Dwyer and Benedictine monk Ciarán Forbes have
documented over 120 pieces of his artwork and have selected items
from both his liturgical and personal work for the exhibition. Benedict’s
workshop has also been re-instated and will be open to the public
during gallery hours.
Monk and artist of Glenstal Abbey, Benedict was born in County Wicklow
and entered the Benedictines in 1949. After studying metal-work and
sculpture in Belgium, France and Germany he returned to Glenstal
Abbey to set up his own workshop. He was best known for his church
commissions, which included processional crosses, tabernacles, Stations
of the Cross, crucifixes and Madonna’s. Using this framework,
he injected his own particular feelings and original spirit into
the work by surprising and suggestive patterns, colours and uses
of material. The source of his inspiration was always a bodily feeling,
which dictated the shape and the essential gesture of the form, which
emerged.
Richard Hurley, architect and personal friend, stated at the time
of his death:
The passing of Benedict Tutty heralds the end of a rich period
of Sacred Art in Ireland, to which he contributed much. The
Post Vatican II years, when the Irish Church slowly began to accept
modern art as a valid image of worship, provided artists with a
platform of renewal of sacred objects and images. Benedict was
at the forefront of this movement and he established himself quickly
not only as a master craftsman but an artist of vision who had
a clear understanding of what was required in a time of change.
Mark Patrick Hederman, Abbot of Glenstal Abbey and friend states:
He never did any work for commercial reasons, for pious propaganda
or to please the critics. He obeyed only one law: the artistic
impulse that was his gift and that came from he knew not where.
But he recognised it, glorified in it and rarely betrayed it.
He became father and teacher to many, including myself. But
his influence extended way beyond the monastery. He was artistic
guide and foster parent to students in the Limerick School of Art
and to many who lived around us.
The works of Brother Benedict can be seen literally throughout the
world, from Glenstal Abbey itself to locations in Ireland, Britain,
Australia and the United States. Benedict's artwork was exhibited
at the Irish Exhibition of Living Art, the RHA, in London, New York
and the Salzburg Biennale.
He who sings a lasting song, sings in the marrow
bone. W.B. Yeats
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