The Art of Friendship

Mainie Jellett (1897-1944) and Evie Hone (1894-1955) were scandalous figures in conservative 20th-century Ireland. Their Cubist paintings were harshly received – dismissed as ‘freak pictures’ in the press. Shamed for their innovative approach, both artists grappled with their identities; Hone even considered becoming a nun. This exhibition traces their artistic evolution, shaped by a deep, synergetic friendship.

You can explore these two artists’ friendship and shared experiences while studying in Paris during the early 1920s, and trace their careers back to Ireland. Featuring paintings, stained glass, and preparatory drawings, it reveals how both women were trailblazers in Irish art, although remaining connected to conventional themes such as religion and landscape.