THE SOCIAL NETWORK: It was “a reunion of old friends” at Guggi’s opening of his new solo exhibition at the Kerlin Gallery on Thursday night, but it wasn’t exactly an ordinary gang back together again. The gallery was packed with some of Ireland’s best-known creatives.
Guggi, formerly of the punk band Virgin Prunes, with his signature waist-length hair, made his way around the room of well-known artists and musicians, who included Bono and The Edge as the most photographed guests.
The handbag designer Pauric Sweeney was there with Jacqueline Fitzpatrick with whom he is working on a new project, and was also chatting to Bono’s wife, Ali Hewson, who was carrying one of his creations on her arm. She said she had greatly enjoyed the Lincoln premiere or “history lesson” last weekend, as had The Edge’s wife, Morleigh Steinberg Evans, who bought the script of the Spielberg film at the auction. Steinberg Evans, a dancer, was also speaking about her excitement at bringing her company’s work to the Guggenheim Museum in New York in May.
Another fashion designer turned furniture dealer, Michael Mortell, was there. He said he travels frequently sourcing pieces for his Francis Street store but not as much for himself, because “you are your own last customer”. His girlfriend, Oonagh Finn, has recently rescued some cats, which aren’t respectful of Art Deco antiques, so he is waiting to add any new furniture to his own interiors.
The poet Brendan Kennelly attended with his daughter Doodle Kennelly. He has a work called Guff coming out this year, while Doodle is set to publish a memoir called Upside Down in a Spoon. She was also there with her best friend, the socialite and columnist Antonia Leslie. When the gallery lights cut out and came on, Kennelly showed his poetic instinct, whispering: “Out of the darkness she came”.
Fiachna Ó Braonáin of Hothouse Flowers and his girlfriend, Síona Ryan, were there as were the singer Paul Harrington and his wife Karol. Harrington is hoping to have a new single, Grow Old With Me, written by Brian Kennedy, out in time for Valentine’s Day, and he will be involved with Eurosong next month.
Two former holders of the Miss Ireland title, Amanda Brunker and Emma Waldron, were at the opening. Brunker has written “a camp comedy” play, Hello Buoys, which she hopes to stage this year.
Who we spotted: Film director Jim Sheridan; artist Jim Fitzpatrick.
