John Duffy Retrospective

Axis are proud to host John Duffy: A Retrospective: an exhibition showcasing highlights of the work of Ballymun artist, the late John Duffy, curated by his friend and frequent collaborator the multi-disciplinary artist, Stano.

John Duffy was a visual artist and poet who had a long association with Axis including four exhibitions and a residency. It was through Axis that John and Stano first met and created their shared artistic practice.  They exhibited many times together, eventually developing their signature practice of working on the same canvas, culminating in their celebrated exhibition Nothing to be Gained in 2013.  Pieces from Nothing to be Gained are on view as part of the current exhibition.

A triptych by artists Robert Ballagh, Brian Maguire and Donald Teskey will be shown as part of the exhibition. This piece was created by these three artists who knew and admired the work of John Duffy, in response to the artist’s poetry.

A self-taught artist, John Duffy was raised in Dublin and began painting in 1992, mounting his first exhibition in 1996. John had a strong link to Axis Ballymun, exhibiting there in 2002, 2005, 2007 and 2008. He worked with Jochen Gerz on public art commission by Breaking Ground in Ballymun Amaptocare (2003-2005).  Other work includes group and solo shows in Dublin City Hall, Origin Gallery, Blue Leaf Gallery, Urban Retreat, The Helix and The Norman Villa Gallery in Galway.  John’s work is held in private collections in Ireland, France. Scotland, Hong Kong and the USA.

John Duffy: A Retrospective will be acommpanied by the release of a new album, Starlight Rain produced by Stano and featuring poetry and stories from John’s family and friends including Damiend Dempsey, Sparky and Paddy Kavanagh.