18th July – 12th September 2019
RENAILSSANCE celebrated a year-long creative partnership between the National Gallery of Ireland and Tropical Popical, Dublin’s award-winning nail salon. The partnership was designed to make collections and exhibitions more accessible, and for historic artworks to provide rich inspiration for new creative practices. The collaboration also presented the opportunity to consider historical definitions of art, the origin of nail art, and stimulate dialogue on culture, critique, aesthetics and taste.
Over the year the talented team from Tropical Popical wowed and inspired, responding to the National Collection and temporary exhibitions at the Gallery. Just a selection of the myriad of fingertip creations were showcased, alongside interpretations of both nail art and fine art in fashion, photography, printing, graphic design, mixed media, set design and sculpture.
RENAILSSANCE aims to challenge preconceptions; from the contemporary relevance of historical art and museums, to the role and place of popular practices and cultural traditions. Demonstrating how artists of the past can inspire the creatives of the future, this show asked you to consider how the presentation and location of art forms impact reception and opinion.
From nail salons to artists’ studios, from the flamboyant to the restrained – RENAILSSANCE celebrates creativity, diversity, skill, and vision… Enjoy the RENAILSSANCE!
#RENAILSSANCE #NGIEducation #TropicalPopical
RENAILSSANCE was supported by a full public programme.
Model - Appiok Tong
Photography - Eilish McCormick
Photography Assistant - James Farrell
Stylist - Aisling Farinella
Stylist Assistant - Shaylyn Gilheaney
Work Experience - Anthony O’Connor
Nail Artist Maggie O’Donovan @ Tropical Popical
Makeup - Sarah Lanagan
Set Design - Ciara O’Donovan
Clothing - Simone Rocha, Richard Malon, Aideen Gaynor, Conor Horgan, Izzy O’Reilly