Wexford Artist Chosen to Represent Ireland at EU Council Headquarters

A Wexford artist has been selected to showcase Ireland on the European stage as part of the country's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Richard Malone has created a major new art installation for the Council's Justus Lipsius and Europa buildings in Brussels, where it will be on display until the end of Ireland's Presidency at the end of the year.

The installation, titled Cuimhne agus Séadchomhartha (Memory and Monument), features Malone's signature colourful fabric sculptures. The Presidency suites have also been fitted with work by contemporary Irish artists, makers and craftspeople, including bespoke furniture, rugs and handcrafted vessels.

Speaking on Morning Mix, Malone described it as "a real privilege" to work on the project and to represent Ireland on such an international stage.

The Wexford-born artist, who originally grew up on Distillery Road, said he hopes the exhibition will encourage people to rethink traditional ideas of Irish art by celebrating the work of craftspeople, women and queer artists whose contributions have often been overlooked. He said the project aims to present a broader and more inclusive picture of Irish creativity.

Malone, who has previously collaborated with Icelandic musician Björk and exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, said the Brussels installation is designed to stand in contrast to the glass and steel surroundings of the EU headquarters with its soft, colourful and delicate forms.