The Irish Museum of Modern Art is delighted to learn that the Derry-born artist Willie Doherty has been shortlisted for the prestigious Turner Prize 2003. Doherty has been shortlisted for the continuing strength and relevance of his film installations and photographic works in addressing the complexities of living in divided societies as demonstrated in his exhibition at the Irish Museum of Modern Art and his contribution to the XXV São Paulo Bienal.
The exhibition at IMMA, entitled ‘Willie Doherty: False Memory’, ran from 31 Ocotber 2002 to 9 March 2003 and was the first substantial showing of Doherty’s work in Ireland and one of the most comprehensive exhibitions of his work anywhere to date. ‘False Memory’ comprised of more than 40 photographic works and slide/tape and video installation, exploring themes of memory and place – concerns which have preoccupied the artist throughout his career. Closely keyed to his native city of Derry and the Northern Ireland “Troubles”, like all Doherty’s work, it revealed the complex shifting range of relationships between places and events and the images by which they come to be represented and recalled.
The exhibition was curated by Brenda McParland, Head of Exhibitions at IMMA, and had a total attendance of 87,000 visitors.
The other shortlisted artists are Jake and Dinos Chapman, Anya Gallaccio and Grayson Perry.
For further information and colour images please contact Monica Cullinane at Tel : +353 1 612 9900, Fax : +353 1 612 9999, Email: [email protected]
29 May 2003