Press Release

John Kingerlee marks his 90th year with a major Dublin exhibition and the release of his new book.
This October, Trinity Gallery Dublin presents Kingerlee at 90 by John Kingerlee, an exhibition celebrating the artist's 90th year - alongside the release of his new book, Heads, by acclaimed author Jonathan Bennington.
Opening 15th October 2026, the exhibition brings together original works spanning the last five years of his practice, mostly completed within his 90th year. The show centres on his celebrated head paintings and offers a focused look at the most recent chapter of a six-decade career.
The exhibition will feature key works of Kingerlee’s such as ‘Pangur Bán’, which has a strong connection to the acclaimed Irish poet, Seamus Heaney. The title refers to an ancient Irish poem translated by Heaney, which was later read at his funeral. Kingerlee and Heaney became aquainted over the years through his paintings. He penned the words “Beyond the Beyonds”, as the title for the award wining documentary about the artists life and work. A signed, limited edition giclée print of ‘Pangur Bán’ will be released to celebrate the exhibition opening.
Another major highlight will be ‘A Tear for Humanity’, as one of the defining works of the exhibition. Created with over 100 layers of paint, this piece is profoundly emotive. Kingerlee thinks deeply about the future of our world, specifically in the context of global warming and environmental developments.
Alongside the exhibition will be the release of his new book titled Heads by Jonathan Bennington with contributing essays from Archbishop Michael Jackson, Dr. Edward Pillsbury, Professor Mike Catto and Ulster University lecturer Gerard Gibson. The publication is the third book dedicated to Kingerlee’s work and will focus exclusively on his head paintings. Bringing together 90 works - marking his 90 years - ranging from 1962 to 2026. The book is a retrospective of his practice - showcasing his evolution as an artist through the lens of his Head works over the span of 60 years. Approximately 40 of the works included in the book will also be exhibited at Trinity Gallery.
Kingerlee’s work has been championed by major literary and critical figures including William Zimmer of The New York Times, and Ros Drinkwater of the Sunday Business Post, Dr. Ted Pillsbury, Director of the Kimbell Art Museum in Texas and Irish poet laureate, Seamus Heaney. Heads by Jonathan Bennington **is dedicated in memory of Dr Ted Pillsbury, Seamus Heaney and William Zimmer.
Despite international recognition - including a solo show exhibited at the National Museum of China - Kingerlee has never been shown in major art institutions in Ireland. Kingerlee at 90 arrives, therefore, not only as a celebration of the longevity of his career, but as a significant moment of recognition for an acclaimed artist at home in Ireland.
"Paintings are like wild horses in a sense for me. A good painting nowadays is like a wild horse. I want my wild horses roaming the prairie in the uplands free. I don't want them fenced around into small fields and that's what you're doing if you surround a painting with rationality. I would like my paintings to be a source of comfort and help to people who are finding it difficult to live in the world that's being constructed around them.”
The exhibition will run from the 15th - 30th of October at Trinity Gallery, with a Bordeaux presentation currently planned for November 2026.
Exhibition Details
Title: Kingerlee at 90
Venue: Trinity Gallery, Clare Street, Dublin, D02 PX28
Exhibition duration: 15th - 30th October 2026
Materials: Oil on Board
Book Details
Title: Heads
Written credits: Jonathan Bennington