2020 marked the tricentenary of the birth of Giovanni Battista Piranesi. The Italian architect, antiquarian, etcher, vedutista, designer and writer was one of the foremost artistic personalities of the 18th century in Rome. His interpretation of the classical world has become of great significance not only in the 18th century, but also long after his death. The Office of Public Works (OPW) hosted the international exhibition For the Love of the Master, 25 artists fascinated by Piranesi to celebrate the legacy of this versatile Roman artist in the 21st century. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the exhibition was postponed and took place in the summer of 2022.
As a curator, Hélène had put together an exhibition with contemporary artworks that respond to the work of Piranesi and to his interpretation of the classical world. It showed work from a group of 25 international artists including Emily Allchurch, Pablo Bronstein, Léo Caillard and Michael Eden. A large part of the work on display was made specifically for the occasion of this exhibition. One of the show’s locations, the Casino at Marino, an important 18th century neo-classical building served to link Piranesi and Ireland; the contemporary with heritage.
