About the Artists Database

The NIVAL Artists Database has been compiled in order to improve public access to the Library's extensive information files on 20th century and contemporary Irish artists.  These files contain exhibition catalogues, newspaper cuttings and ephemera on over 3,500 artists born or based in Ireland.

The Artists Database is a reference resource providing basic biographical and work details on each artist abstracted from the information contained in the hard copy files held in the Library.  It is important to realise that the records are a summary of the information held in each artist's file.  A visit to NIVAL is recommended to researchers seeking a comprehensive view of the actual files.

Although we have endeavoured to ensure the information is correct, it is inevitable, given the diverse sources of information, that some inaccuracies may occur.  Changes and updates are made on an ongoing basis and the Library welcomes suggestions, criticism, and donations of relevant material.

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  • Reference Code:IE/NIVAL AR/1557
  • First Name: Alastair
  • Last Name: MacLennan
  • Gender: Male
  • Date of Birth: 1943
  • Place of Birth: Scotland
  • Nationality: British
  • Website: www.vads.ahds.ac.uk/collections/maclennan/
  • Abstract/Figurative: Abstract
  • Represented By: Not Specified
  • Public Art: No
  • Size: 20+
  • Manuscript Material: No
  • Physical Location: Artist Files Collection

other Info Source:

Buckman's Dictionary of Artists in Britain since 1945 (1998)

Awards

1979 Irish Exhibition of Living Art. P.J. Carrolls Prize.
1988 National Organisation for Dance and Mime. London Dance and Performance Award for Outstanding Creative Achievement in Performance Art.

Bibliography

Knowles, Roderic, Contemporary Irish Art, Wolfhound Press, 1982

Education

1964 Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee, Scotland, Diploma Fine Art.
No Date Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee, Scotland, Postgraduate in Fine Art.
1966 College of Education, Dundee, Scotland, Specialist Teacher of Arts Certificate.
1968 School of the Art Institute of Chicago, United States, MA Fine Art.

Notes

MacLennan's work is a response to philosophical, political and moral issues. In seeking a dialogue with the observer, it contemplates the context within which art is made and experienced. His performance work includes various found objects including raw materials and sound. These performances have taken place in various venues such as performance festivals, streets, woodlands and disused buildings and galleries. Mac Lennan has also collaborated on numerous group projects including 'Queen of Europe' by Paulo Ravalico Scerri, where he played the part of the 'King'. Living and working in Belfast since 1975, he has taught in numerous third level institutions throughout the world. He is currently the Professor in Fine Art at the University of Ulster, Belfast. A founder member of the Art and Research Exchange, Belfast, MacLennan has been involved with several important committees in the Arts. They include the Artists Collective of Northern Ireland, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Circa Art Magazine and the Board of Directors for the Temple Bar Mixed Media Arts Centre. File contains an extensive collection of newspaper clippings, press releases, catalogues and photographs of the artist's work.