On The Town: The contrasting shows of artists Beth O'Halloran and Desmond Kenny, which opened this week at The Lab, Dublin City Council's new space on Foley Street, took viewers to other worlds, other places. Kenny's work features people "who look like characters from another world", said Jack Gilligan, Dublin City Council's arts officer.
"The scenes and characters are all familiar but there's something else going on, there is almost a science-fiction look to them," he added, opening Kenny's first solo show of prints.
Meanwhile, O'Halloran's work, which went on public view public at the same time on the same evening, was described as leading us "to a place where simplicity . . . is a way of life and not a momentary curiosity".
There is an "other-worldliness" in O'Halloran's paintings, said Noel Kelly, curator of Temple Bar Gallery and Studios, opening the artist's exhibition.
"We see past and present suspended. There is only the moment of the present, a state where existence is recognised and made subservient to the timeless now, in which each element performs the function of both character and plot," he added.
Viewing the paintings, "I felt my brain had gone to a day spa."
Among those at the opening were O'Halloran's fiancé, Paul Smyth, and his brother, Gaby Smyth, chairman of Amnesty International Ireland, as well as the artist's sister, architectural conservationist Jane O'Halloran.
Kenny's friends at the event included Mary and Eddie Cahill, John Reynolds and Patricia and William McEvoy.
• Tales of A City and Acadia Diamond Mist will continue at The Lab until Sat, Aug 26