Longford artist honoured to be part of major New York exhibition

The work of distinguished contemporary Longford artist Gary Robinson, whose powerful work has earned widespread recognition, will feature in an Irish-led international exhibition at the New York City Fire Museum in Lower Manhattan commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Ground Zero 360 Remembrance has been created by Irish artist Nicola McClean and retired NYPD Inspector Paul McCormack, founders of Ground Zero 360, the internationally recognised not-for-profit organisation dedicated to preserving the memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, while honouring the survivors, first responders and families forever affected by the attacks.

Over the past fifteen years, Ground Zero 360 has travelled to more than 60 cities worldwide, creating powerful exhibitions that educate new generations while ensuring the stories, sacrifice and legacy of 9/11 are never forgotten.

The 25th anniversary exhibition represents the organisation’s most ambitious project to date and will feature one of the most significant collections of contemporary artists ever assembled for a 9/11 commemorative exhibition.

Internationally acclaimed artists represented include Jasper Johns, Jeff Koons, James Turrell, Jenny Saville, Maggi Hambling, Antonio Lopez, Thomas Ruff, Yoko Ono, Sedrick Huckaby, Michael Cusack and Kara Walker, alongside an outstanding representation of Ireland’s artistic community.

Irish artists participating include Sean Scully, Brian Maguire, Guggi, Robert Ballagh, Eamon Colman, Nicola McClean, Bono, Richard Hearns, Sean Molloy, The Edge, Paul MacCormaic, Donald Teskey, Gordon Harris, Gary Robinson, Maurice Quillinan, Geraldine O’Neill, Geraldine O’Reilly, Sinead Ni Maonaigh, Bennie Reilly and Stephen Lawlor, highlighting Ireland’s remarkable contribution to this international act of remembrance.

The exhibition reflects the enduring bond between Ireland and New York, a relationship strengthened by generations of Irish emigrants, the service of Irish-Americans within the New York Fire Department and New York Police Department, and the profound impact the events of September 11 had on communities across Ireland.

Exhibition organisers said they are immensely proud to welcome Gary to the Ground Zero 360 Remembrance Exhibition and that he has created a magnificent piece entitled, ’I thought I heard the wind call my name’.

Gary, who was the recipient of The John Richardson French Residency Award in 2022, explained that he would like to see this work as ‘a healing painting’.

He outlined the thought process behind the painting. “It was the fine grey, blue volcano-like dust clouds pluming their way through the streets in slow motion, similar to some kind of Goyaesque monster eating up the air that I remember most from 9\11.

“People breathing in, coughing, choking, rubbing the deadly grit into their eyes, aimlessly staggering out of the clouds. Listening to raw panic, screaming, crying and being completely unaware of what happened, or what was going to happen next.

“I have thought about the people in the buildings, on the stairways, in offices, at the windows, or in corridors wondering what they were thinking. I hope through this fear a calm or peacefulness would have come to them. Did they think about the last thing they said to their wife, husband, son, or daughter?

“My painting is titled ’I thought I heard the wind call my name’, referring to our time to leave this earth, but also acknowledging grief and the comfort of knowing that those still here are being watched over by their lost loved ones.

“I would see this work as a healing painting, and when they heard the wind call their name they found some kind of solace, warmth, or comfort. I hope they could feel the love of their families embracing them, saying it’s okay, we love you and know you love us. This is my prayer for them and everyone in all conflicts.”

Gary has had several solo exhibitions and has taken part in many group exhibitions in and outside Ireland. Many of his pieces have been purchased for private collections in Ireland, the UK, Spain, Germany and the USA.

Gary was invited by Áosdana member Eamon Colman to submit a work for the 2022 Ground Zero 360 exhibition in Houston, Texas. Co-curated by Eamon Colman and Nicola McClean, the exhibition brought together artists from around the world.

A catalogue accompanied the exhibition, featuring texts in which each artist discussed their work and reflected on their memories of the attacks.

He revealed, “Earlier this year, I was invited to participate in the 25th-anniversary 9/11 exhibition in New York. And I’m very honoured to exhibit alongside an extraordinary group of international artists, including Sean Scully, Jasper Johns, James Turrell, Yoko Ono, Bono, Guggi, Brian Maguire, and Sinéad Ní Mhaonaigh, among others.”

Gary is currently preparing for a 2028 exhibition that will continue his series of works, ‘Wind Letters’.

The works are generally created outdoors at specific locations across the Midlands, including Rathcroghan, Sliabh Bán, Cairn Hill, and Brí Léith.

He explained, “I also developed work from the series in the San Gabriel Mountain and The Chino Hills during a 2023 residency in Los Angeles and have since received permission to create new Wind Letters in New York at Ground Zero, Central Park, and on the roof of the New York City Fire Museum. These works will be exhibited in 2028.”

Never one to stand still, Gary is also preparing work for an exhibition in London in early 2027.

Inspired by the writings of Charles Baudelaire, particularly his poem Le Voyage, the exhibition will be curated by Ciara Hambly of Hambly & Hambly, Fermanagh.

Locally, Gary is involved with Engage, an artist-led, not-for-profit group based in Longford Town.

He explained, “Engage is currently promoting St.Art, an initiative that restores selected street-art murals - several of which have already been completed - and plans to commission new works at sites reflecting the town’s history.

“Engage also operates six artist studios in Garvey’s Lane. Although all are currently occupied, artists interested in future availability can contact Engage via Facebook.”