Michael Lyons

Michael Lyons’ practice incorporates painting, woodblock printing and 3D assemblage. Lyons begins each work with research and close observation using drawing to investigate his surroundings and to reexamine artworks of cultural and historical significance. His work is concerned with the structuring of contemporary life - spatially, politically and socially. Research has often manifested in narrative form, including his critically acclaimed book Ecce Heur (2001) and more recently in a series of prints relating to Théodore Géricault’s Raft of the Medusa (1819).

Lyons’ understanding of architecture and carpentry has led to a number of collaborative installations including invited participation in Bergen International Wood Festival with Meitheal Adhmaid collective, where the group received commendation for innovative design and sustainable development of materials. Lyons has more recently embarked on a personal project, utilising his practical understanding of architecture and carpentry to design and build two houses from materials both sourced and salvaged. His multifaceted practice advocates the role of the artist as an autonomous and independent thinker and maker. Through his work Lyons demonstrates the potential for ideas and creativity to exact positive social and political change.

Michael Lyons (2006) ‘from Ecce Huer’. In: Pratschke, S. Ó Cuív, R. & Conlon, E. (eds.) Annaghmakerrig, p. 25. The Tyrone Guthrie Centre/The Lilliput Press, Dublin, 256 pp. ISBN 1843510901

Michael Lyons (2001) Ecce Huer Limited edition artist book

Michael Lyons (1986) Portrait of Bernie Rogers. In: NCAD decade show – faculty of fine art graduates 1975-1985, p. 93. The National College of Art & Design. 152 pp. ISBN 1870225227

EXHIBITIONS AND OTHER OUTCOMES

Solo Exhibitions:

2016    Islands/Individuals, Town Hall Theatre, Galway

2011     The Pearse Centre, The Ireland Institute, Dublin

2007    ‘La Solana’, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain

2006    ‘La Solana’, Valleseco, Gran Canaria, Spain

2004     Zeit Galerie, Berlin, Germany

2001    ‘Ecce Huer’ and other works, Graphic Studio Gallery, Dublin

1998     Landscapes and other works, Foras Cultur Uladh, Glencolumcille,
             Co. Donegal

1996     Work Made Visible, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin
 

Group Exhibitions:

2017     Graphic Studio Gallery, Dublin

2016     Graphic Studio Gallery, Dublin

2016     Print Works, Galway

2016     National Fine Print Competition, Sligo

2010     MFA, NCAD, Dublin

2009    ‘Camera Obscura’, MFA Interim Exhibition, Light House Cinema, Dublin

2008/9  ‘Little Christmas’, Graphic Studio Gallery, Dublin

2008     ‘MITTE AM RAND’, Fredrikshagen, Berlin

2006     R.H.A. annual exhibition (invited artist)
             ‘The Collect Art Exhibition’, Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre

2005     Wexford Artists Book Symposium

2004     ‘International Joyce’, Stockholm, Sweden

2003     ‘Three Artists’, Town Hall, Rathmines, Dublin

2002     ‘Locco’, Glor Arts Centre, Ennis, Co. Clare

             ‘Wexford Artists Book Exhibition’, Touring Exhibition, Wexford, Cork, Limerick
              and U.S.A.

             ‘College Lecturers Drawings’, Touring Exhibition, Dublin, Limerick, Cork

             ‘Allied Irish Bank Collection’, Touring Exhibition, Dublin, Limerick, Cork

1996     ‘Seven Print Makers’, Rubicon Gallery Dublin


Selected Collections:

National Library of Ireland

Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery of Modern Art, Dublin

Trinity College Dublin

Allied Irish Bank Collection

National College of Art & Design, Dublin

Tyrone Guthrie Centre, Co. Monaghan

King’s Hospital, Dublin

Dublin City Council

Municipal Authority, Teror, Gran Canaria, Spain

Private collections in Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, Scandinavia, Gran Canaria & U.S.A.
 

EXTERNAL COLLABORATIONS

2011     WoodCollective, Dublin Pivot, Dublin

2010     WoodCollective, Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois

2009    WoodCollective, Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois

2006    Collaborations with architects, Bergen International Wood Festival, Norway

2005    Wexford Artists Book Symposium, workshop and lectures

2004    Collaboration with translator/writer/reporter Padraic O’Connor

2003    Collaboration with writer Eoin McNamee (Blue Tango, Ultras)

2002    Collaboration with writer Patrick MaCabe (Butcher Boy, Breakfast on Pluto)


Awards and Grants

2001    Arts Council of Ireland

2000   Tyrone Guthrie Centre

1994    Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin City Council


Residency/Internships

2014    Tyrone Guthrie Centre Newbliss, Co. Monaghan

2009    Tyrone Guthrie Centre Newbliss, Co. Monaghan

2007    Artist in residence, Valleseco, Gran Canaria, Spain

2006    Tyrone Guthrie Centre Newbliss, Co. Monaghan

2005    Artist in residence, Valleseco, Gran Canaria, Spain

2002    Tyrone Guthrie Centre Newbliss, Co. Monaghan

1995    Irish Museum of Modern Art
            Artist in residence – Dublin County Council

1987    Artist in residence C.I.E. Works, Inchicore, Dublin