New commission by artist Richard Hearns unveiled in DCU’s Albert College
A newly commissioned work by renowned artist Richard Hearns, Nexus, was unveiled at an event today in Dublin City University.
The piece hangs in the 1838 dining room in Albert College on the university’s Glasnevin campus. This piece was commissioned with a generous gift from John and Jean Saunders. Mr Saunders was awarded an honorary doctorate by the university in 2023.
Albert College, the oldest building on DCU's Glasnevin campus, boasts a rich heritage dating back to 1838. Named in honour of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's consort, who visited after the Great Famine to observe the development of Irish agriculture at the Glasnevin Model Farm, the building has long been a cornerstone of academic and social life. Today, Albert College houses the 1838 dining room, a key social hub for DCU. This space hosts high-profile events including celebrations, award ceremonies, meetings, and seminars.
Nexus is a monumental diptych - two canvases measuring five by one and a half metres. Its large scale perfectly complements the architectural setting, enveloping a central window in the room.
The artwork radiates from the heart of this important space, symbolising the university’s agricultural roots and its journey to becoming a leading institution for knowledge and research. Hearns' piece serves as a powerful tribute to the enduring legacy and future aspirations of DCU.
Speaking about Nexus, Richard Hearns said:
I feel a great sense of pride seeing the work inhabit the space, and interacting with this beautiful, historic room. From close up, I hope that there is a sense of the microscopic, and then when you come back, there’s a sense of composition, dynamism, and form. I think a painting has to be really interesting from 18 feet, and from 18 inches - it has to work at both levels. And I think this painting achieves that.
Prof Dáire Keogh, President of Dublin City University said
In commissioning a painting that reflects DCU’s character as a place-based university, we wanted to capture the two centuries of educational activity here in Glasnevin. Nexus reflects the agricultural roots of Albert College and a philosophy of education which is about growth and human flowering. Richard Hearns has created an inspirational artwork and an important addition to the DCU collection, which speaks to the University’s deep educational heritage and our continuing commitment to innovation and excellence.
Marcella Bannon, Cultural Arts Officer in Dublin City University said
It is our ambition, DCU Art Collection, will play a significant role in the learning, enjoyment, and wellbeing of our community. Artworks situated around our campus not only enhance our cultural and architectural environment but they act as windows to new perspectives and chronicle the various phases of our university's history. Like teaching and research, visual arts improve our 'ways of knowledge' and align seamlessly with DCU’s values.
About Richard Hearns
Richard Hearns paints in the wild landscape of The Burren National Park in County Clare, Ireland. Each painting is an extension of his physical surroundings - earth, sea and sky - materialising the artist’s experiences and memories of colour and natural phenomena. Born in Beirut and raised in Ireland, Hearns is deeply aware of the unique cultural backgrounds of both aspects of his heritage.
Articulated in his abstract paintings, his experiences and connections with the traditions of these separate locations and cultures combine to form a triangular history. He endeavours to express his understandings of exploration, discovery and identity through the medium of paint.