The first major retrospective exhibition of pioneering modernist sculptor Heron’s work since 1964, IMMA’s glorious celebration of Heron’s work is a superb presentation that attempts to correct the ways that her work has been overlooked in Irish and international histories of modern sculpture and wholeheartedly succeeds. The Dublin born sculptor co-represented Ireland at the 1956 Venice Biennale alongside painter Louis le Brocquy and was a master welder, a practice highly unusual for an Irish artist, let alone a woman in the 1950s.
Bringing together work from national and international collections, including carvings, welding and castings, Heron’s skilful pieces have an enduring influence on contemporary Irish sculpture and it’s wonderful to finally see her legacy celebrated in such exalted surroundings.
Hilary Heron: A Retrospective runs at the Irish Museum of Modern Art until 28th Oct.
