The nude in modern Irish art : tradition and transgression: an exploration of themes and trends in the representation of the nude in twentieth century Irish art

Abstract

This is a project with the potential to have groundbreaking implications for Irish art. The nude has long been central to the study of art history but has erroneously been thought to have been absent from art in Ireland. It is an unusual subject in Irish art, but while there are few specialists in the genre, there are many individual examples to be found. The reasons for its neglect include lack of resources in art education, social conditions and sexual taboo. While these historical factors no longer influence Irish art, I will show that there are still taboos connected to the representation of the body in contemporary art, issues concerning corporeality and sexuality.