AMBASSADOR'S OUTREACH
Ambassador Foley Celebrates Installation of Sol LeWitt Wall Drawing: Ambassador's Residence, Phoenix Park, Dublin: May 16, 2007.
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| (L-R: Enrique Juncosa, Director, Irish Museum of Modern Art, Louis Le Brocquy, Artist, Ambassador Foley and Anne Madden, Artist at the reception to celebrate the installation of the Sol LeWitt Wall Drawing at the Ambassador's Residence. |
In cooperation with the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the Addison Gallery of American Art, Ambassador Thomas C. Foley has had Wall Drawing #716 by Sol LeWitt installed in the main entranceway of the U.S. Embassy’s Ambassadorial residence in Phoenix Park, Dublin. The Ambassador hosted a reception for luminaries in the Irish arts community to celebrate completion of the installation. During the reception, the Ambassador highlighted the cooperation between the Irish and American art institutions and expressed support for similar cooperative ventures in the arts.
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| (L-R: Rosemary Smith, former rally driver, Ambassador Foley, Ib Jorgensen, Director, Jorgensen Fine Art Gallery and Colman Pierce, Conductor.) |
Wall Drawing #716 is designed by randomly selecting a series of 12” squares utilizing 8 different shapes making each installation a unique design. This dramatic work adds a modern spark to this 18th century mansion. Placed perfectly to greet guests at the residence, the work reflects the American mood of motion and structure.
Sol LeWitt, who passed away last April, has been a major influence in the areas of conceptual art and minimalism. LeWitt was born in Hartford, Connecticut. He received his BFA from Syracuse University. After traveling to Europe and serving in the Korean War, LeWitt studied at the School of Visual Art in New York City and spent a year as a graphic designer in the office of architect I.M. Pei. LeWitt was also influenced by 19th century photographer Eadweard Muybridge known for his use of sequence and locomotion. LeWitt became a master of incorporating motion with structural form.
Addison Gallery of American Art is a department of Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. The museum’s purpose is to acquire, preserve, interpret, and exhibit works of art for the education and enjoyment of local, regional, national and international audiences. Addison Gallery has one of America’s foremost collections of works by Sol LeWitt. The Gallery sent a team over from the United States to help with the installation of the work.
