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/2076
  • First Name: James
  • Last Name: Scanlon
  • Gender: Male
  • Date of Birth: 1952
  • Place of Birth: Kerry
  • Nationality: Irish
  • Area Of Practice:
    • Glass
    • Sculpture
    • Painting
  • Artwork Type Technique:
    • Stained Glass
    • Drawings
    • Stone
  • Abstract/Figurative: Abstract
  • Genre:
    • Not Specified
  • Represented By: Not Specified
  • Public Art: Yes
  • Size: 20+
  • Manuscript Material: No
  • Physical Location: Artist Files Collection
  • Public Collection:
    • Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery, Dublin.
    • Arts Council of Ireland.

Awards

1976 Cork Arts Society Award for Sculpture
1982 British Film Award for film, 'The Cage'

Bibliography

Walker, Dorothy, Modern Art In Ireland, Dublin, Lilliput, 1997

Education

1978 Crawford College of Art and Design, Cork, Diploma Sculpture and Film-Making.
1981 Studied glass techniques.

Notes

Scanlon works in a variety of media. He worked with stained glass for a number of years and established a stained glass studio with Maud Cotter in 1982. He has received critical acclaim for his revival of the art of stained glass in Cork as a contemporary art form. Scanlon has also worked on complex environmental sculptures and received several public art commissions. They are located in Sneem, Co. Kerry in 1990 and St. Moling's Well, Brosna, Co. Kerry in 1998. Scanlon has been a member of Aosdána since 1991. His primary concerns meditate on embodiment, morality and faith. File includes newspaper clippings, press releases and images of the artist's work.