THE unveiling of Kim en Joong's paintings in the Hugh Lane Gallery on Wednesday evening was a special evening for many. The artist himself professed a special love of Ireland and of the spontaneity of the Irish. Had the room been more intimate, he threatened, he would have sung all the verses of Danny Boy, which he has known since his childhood in Korea. Dr James White, former curator of the gallery, also announced that Kim en Joong's fellow Dominican, Austin Flannery, had just that day been made a Doctor of Theology.
There were many from the art world, including John Taylor of the Taylor Galleries, where the artist's work is also on show; John Hutcheson of the Douglas Hyde Gallery; Noelle Campbell Sharpe of the Cill Rialaig Gallery; Niall Crowley, chairman of the Arts Advisory Committee, and NCAD's Campbell Bruce. Sister Wendy Beckett, the nun-come-art-critic who is a regular visitor to the gallery, could not make it.
The spiritual paintings also attracted a number of artists: Charlie Cullen who previously had a retrospective in the gallery; Finola Jones the creator of that infamous pink rose elephant; sculptor Rowan Gillespie and painter David Godbold.
Director of the gallery Barbara Dawson and conservator Mary McGrath were in fine form and very excited about the gallery's next project. In keeping with the newly-fostered oriental connection, the gallery is putting together a collection of 70 paintings dated from 1886 to 1996 to take on tour to three of Japan's most prestigious museums.
In a gathering dotted with robes and dog collars, one of the most famous priests of them all stood out in a cream linen suit. Comedian Frank Kelly (a.k.a. Father Jack), a copy of Moll Flanders in hand, graciously signed autographs and chatted enthusiastically about Roly's Bistro chef, Paul Cartwright's sideline in gorgeous abstract, painting.
Rumours that Father Ted has disappeared from our screens forever are misleading as filming of the next series is due to begin in the autumn for screening in 1998, although Kelly has a feeling that it will not be [long before writers Graham Linehan and Arthur Mathews do kill off their golden goose.