Collapse the Box: Robert Ballagh, Talent in Solidarity

Collapse the Box is an arts series on NVTV.

Interviewed on a visit to Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich in Belfast in March 2013 to launch his exhibition and Fund Raiser, Robert Ballagh has generously given his artistic commitment to a range of causes, both politically and socially, in the pursuit of an egalitarian society. In this spirit, and as a statement of his solidarity, he has donated the substantial collection of his work on show, with all monies raised being donated to the Pat Finucane Centre.

Robert gives an extensive interview from his life growing up in Ballsbridge, his show band years with the Chessmen and how he first began as an artist. As well as his paintings, Ballagh has produced many posters, book covers, limited edition prints, the backdrop for the original Riverdance and the last Irish banknotes issued before Ireland’s transition to the euro. He talks about his connections to Belfast and his contribution to the first Féile an Phobail in Belfast and his involvement in the 75th Anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising commemoration and the 1989 Parade of Innocence.

Robert Ballagh is a renowned Irish artist who enjoys national and international acclaim and whose works have been exhibited in The National Gallery in Dublin, the Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery in Dublin, the Crawford Gallery in Cork, the Ulster Museum, the Albrecht-Dürer Haus in Nuremberg and many major cities.

Those contributing include Michael Farrell, Geraldine Finucane, Robert McMillen, Frank Mac Cionnaith, Bee Ní Choitir, Ciarán Rooney, Paul Rattigan and Bill Rolston.