An exhibition by Australian Sculptor, Ron Mueck has broken records at the Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC) in Belfast this season, after a 12-week display of his meticulously sculpted, hyper realistic mini to mammoth figures. Since opening in August, the exhibition has attracted over 20,000 visitors, setting a new record for the venue as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary. Whilst gathering crowds all across Northern Ireland, 20 percent of the exhibition’s visitors have come from the Republic of Ireland; resulting in a third of all attendees coming from outside of Northern Ireland.
Previous international exhibitions at the MAC have featured the works of David Hockney, Gilbert & George and Andy Warhol, yet the Mueck exhibition, which features seven of the acclaimed artist’s seminal works, has attracted the highest number of visitors of all. This is the first and only time a Mueck exhibition has been hosted on the island of Ireland, and art lovers have until 5th November to view the works.
Anne McReynolds, Chief Executive at The MAC said they are delighted with how the public has responded to the works of Ron Mueck.
“When the show opened this Summer we thought we could get over 10,000 visitors, but it became clear very quickly that people – not just from Belfast, or even across Northern Ireland – but from all over Ireland and the UK embracing these amazing installations. People had booked their visitor slot months in advance and many had travelled thousands of miles to get a first look.”
Visitors will get the chance to see up close some of Ron Mueck’s most renowned pieces, including the reputation-making Dead Dad (1997) and his monumental piece In Bed (2005). Those who snapped up the opportunity to be some the first to see the works during its opening weekend included Hollywood actor, Pierce Brosnan who told his social media followers: “If you have a chance to see the work of Australian Sculptor Ron Mueck at the Mac, check it out, it will bedazzle you.” (Instagram, @piercebrosnanofficial)
Anne McReynolds stressed that the exhibition is drawing to a close. She added:
“If you have thought about coming to see Ron Muck’s work, make it quick. The exhibition ends on Saturday 5th November, and the only other place you might get to see Mueck’s incredible sculptures is in the Louvre in Paris, so don’t miss out while we still have him on our shores.”
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