Fintan Cullen, Professor of Art History, University of Nottingham – ‘Migrating Objects: Ireland and Empire’

24th February 2015 – 5.30-6.30pm – Lecture Theatre A3, Building E11. Refreshments served from 5pm

This paper will address the issue of how art in Ireland – up to at least the mid-nineteenth century – needs to be seen in terms of Ireland’s relationship with England. Although a range of art productions will be discussed, focus will be placed on the Dublin-born sculptor, John Henry Foley (1818-1874) who worked in London from the age of 16 to his death at the age of 56. By migrating to London, Foley’s art can be read as being less local and/or regional, but rather global. In migrating, his subject matter took on an imperialist aspect and his objects became monuments of empire, regardless of whether they represented a British officer or an Irish politician. As some of his most impressive pieces were made for India, it could be argued that Foley produced art for the world, not just for his home nation.

Professor Fintan Cullen, University of Nottingham

Professor Cullen’s main research area is in the art and representation of Ireland from the eighteenth century to the twentieth century. His publications display a long interest in exploring the representation of Ireland’s colonial relationship with Britain. Although Ireland is the focus of much of his work, in a wider sense he is interested in the relationship between national identity and art production. His present research interests are focused on the art of migration.

From August 2012 to Summer 2015, Fintan Cullen is on secondment as Dean of Arts and Education at the University of Nottingham’s Ningbo campus. This is his first visit to Australia.