Edge introduced Yoko Ono last night, to open 'In the time of shaking' at
the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
Edge, who has supported Amnesty with U2 for 20 years, recalled attending the
opening of the first Amnesty Irish offices in Shaw Street in Dublin in 1984.
'I'm proud of the way Ireland and Irish people have supported Amnesty ever
since then.' he said, 'I'm also particularly pleased that this Irish
initiative is spear-heading what will hopefully become a series of similar
art exhibitions around the world that will raise money for Amnesty.'
Edge then introduced Yoko Ono to officially open the exhibition. Another
long time Amnesty supporter, two years ago, acting on a suggestion made by
Irish actor Gabriel Byrne, Yoko gave Amnesty International the rights to
use John Lennon's song "Imagine" in a campaign for human rights.
Speaking about her visit to Ireland and about her late husband, she said "I
am proud, pleased and happy to be here in Dublin today to open this
wonderful exhibition which not only helps generate the support Amnesty needs
but is providing a fund-raising model which we can use around the world.
'John was very conscious of his Irish background. He was extremely proud of
being Liverpool Irish, which gave him a sense of rebellion and inspired his
poetry. I really think that his poetry definitely came from his Liverpool
Irish heritage - tradition, beauty, sense of humour and word play all being
strong Irish qualities.'
Later in the evening, Yoko took Edge up on his invitation to drop by U2's
recording studio and meet the rest of the band.
Even before last night's official opening, 'In The Time of Shaking' has
raised more than half a million euro's for Amnesty International.
The launch was attended by over 1000 people including band friends like
Gavin Friday and Guggi, whose work is featured in the show.
'There is a synergy between art and Amnesty International.' explained
Amnesty International, Secretary General Irene Khan. 'Artists the world over
have been supported by Amnesty when their rights were abused and support us
in return as an expression of their commitment to truth through human
rights.
'Art exposes truth and the sale of this work will go towards exposing the
truth behind the most hidden human rights atrocity of our time violence
against women'.
Art saleThe works went on sale to the public on Wednesday 21 April 2004 at 10 am,
when the official website (
www.artforamnesty.org/shaking) went live. All
works may be viewed on this website which also provides prices, details on
how to purchase and on what works have already been sold or reserved. Due
to the quality of the work and the historic nature of this event, demand has
been high and the works will continue to be sold on a first-come,
first-served basis. The sale of the works provides a unique opportunity to
acquire exciting new Irish art while simultaneously supporting Amnesty
International in its work for human rights worldwide.
Exhibition at IMMAThe works will be exhibited in the East Wing of the Irish Museum of Modern
Art from Friday 7th May until Sunday 23rd May 2004. Admission is free, and
the Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10.00am 5.30pm and on Sundays,
12.00-5.30 pm. Visit
www.artforamnesty.org/shaking for details. More
information on IMMA is available at
www.modernart.ieBookA limited edition 292 page book has been beautifully printed and bound in
hardback as part of the show. Designed by Ciarán ÓGaora, the book features
full colour reproductions of all of the works, an essay by Professor Ciarán
Benson, a new poem by Derek Mahon and biographies of all the artists. A
limited edition of 3,000 is available for purchase through Art for Amnesty
for €45. Visit
www.artforamnesty.org/shaking for details
Special book signing
On Sunday 9th May from 1pm to 4pm over 50 of the artists will attend an
official book signing at IMMA, where members of the public can not only view
the exhibition, but can also purchase one of the limited edition books and
have it signed by a number of the artists.
Art for Amnesty is an international initiative, based in Dublin, that
harnesses the goodwill and support of artists of all disciplines from around
the world in major fundraising projects for the benefit of Amnesty
International.
Useful links
www.artforamnesty.org/shaking (information on this event)
www.amnesty.org (Amnesty International's global website)
www.amnesty.ie (Amnesty International, Irish Section)
www.modernart.ie (Irish Museum of Modern Art)