THE ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY IS IRELAND'S LEADING BODY OF EXPERTS IN THE SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

The Royal Irish Academy/Acadamh Ríoga na hÉireann champions research. We identify and recognise Ireland’s world class researchers. We support scholarship and promote awareness of how science and the humanities enrich our lives and benefit society. We believe that good research needs to be promoted, sustained and communicated. The Academy is run by a Council of its members. Membership is by election and considered the highest academic honour in Ireland.

Read more about the RIA

Modern Ireland in 100 Artworks: Sheela-na-Gig, Barrie Cooke

19 September 2015

Sheela-na-Gig paintings, by Barrie Cooke, 1960

This week’s artwork, Sheela-na-Gig by Barrie Cooke features in Vol IV: ‘Twentieth Century’ of Art and Architecture of Ireland

The artworks, created by Cooke around the 1960’s, are inspired by medieval fertility stone carvings found in parts of Ireland and Britain.

‘The uninhibited women in the painter’s work spoke of the same sexual freedom heralded by the arrival of The Beatles and the end of the ban on ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’

Read more about the artwork in the Irish Times

 

Stay up to date with the Royal Irish Academy newsletter

Sign up now