"We would love to take something back home with us of our time in Ireland" or some such similar words that Frank ODea, Gallery Owner of Balla Bán Art Gallery hears regularly during the summer months when tourists drop into his gallery. However, with luggage restrictions and space, the travelers tend to buy smaller artworks. "A little piece of Ireland" is the title of the Summer Show currently on at the Gallery until the end of September where visitors can pick up an original piece of framed art from as little as eur20.
On view during these months will also be a selection of beautiful Irish landscapes and familar Dublin City scenes in oils and watercolours as well as limited edition giclee prints. To compliment the landscapes, the Gallery will also showcase a selection of portraits and caricatures from some of Irelands well known personalities including portraits of Bono, James Joyce, Brendan Behan, Sinead OConnor, Phil Lynott and many more.
Artwork on display is from some of Ireland's most popular contemporary artists including Norman Teeling, Graham Knuttel, Markey Robinson, Tom Byrne and Pervaneh Matthews. Also on display will be artwork from tow of Irelands top caricaturists, Niall O'Loughlin and Ray Sherlock.
Working off a couple of photos taken on the spot, the gallery can arrange to have watercolour caricature portrait done in a and ready to take home with them at the end of their holidays. "Balla Bán Art Gallery (which is the Irish for white wall gallery) is a gallery with a difference and we love to bring a bit of humour and laughter to the Westbury Shopping Mall that always gets a laugh from passerbys from our artwork.
We are also big supporter and fan of the Irish Street Art scene and we showcase both original pieces and prints from one of Ireland's top street artists, Solus amongst others". The gallery owner, Frank ODea, is also an artist and hiw own artworks are always on display at the gallery and in particular his upcycled painted mannequins which have become a regular photo stop for both locals and visitors alike.
The gallery is tucked away behind Grafton Street and 30 seconds walk from the Westbury Hotel. They also do world wide shipping so visitors have the option take home a bigger piece of Ireland.
Drop into Ireland's smallest gallery but with biggest welcome!