iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

'Interface 1', oil on linen, 36 x 45cm. ... For Culture Night I'm happy to be showing this painting as part of 'Thin Places', developed by the Wicklow Hills Arts Collective in partnership with Donard Imaal History and Donard Tidy Towns. Friday 18 Sept 2026 7pm-9pm Donard Community Hall, W91 YW57

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

I'm currently working away on a new series of paintings. In the meantime, here's one which was shown at Fenderesky Gallery, Belfast in 2018: 'Peace and time', oil on linen, 45 x 36cm.

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Not long now… 🎨 The Car Boot Art Fair is back this Saturday 29 August at Russborough House and Park. "Original art, brilliant artists, live DJ sets, food, workshops, spot prizes and our Art Drop, with nine original works to be won. More information and tickets available at www.russborough.ie

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Looking forward to taking part in the Car Boot Art Fair at Russborough House and Park this Saturday 29 August. I'll have lots of framed and unframed watercolours and drawings with me, including this little one, which measures 10.5 x 7.5cm. More information and tickets at www.russborough.ie

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

'I sometimes visit the past', 2025, oil on linen, 40 x 30cm. From my show 'Let the rules be soft' at The Molesworth Gallery, Dublin in September 2025.

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Reposted by Helen G Blake

RHA Gallery @rha-arts.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Saturday’s featured artwork from the 196th RHA Annual Exhibition in association with McCann FitzGerald is by Helen G Blake. Helen’s painting is one of almost 600 pieces on view in the Annual, and it’s available for purchase. Visit rhagallery.ie or enquire at our front desk for details. #RHA196

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

'Belfast boy', 2021, oil on linen, 48 x 60cm.

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

'Byzantine', watercolour and ink on Langton HP paper, 15 x 10.5cm ... A small watercolour painting made in 2017, it was shown at Fenderesky Gallery, Belfast as part of 'Helen Blake, Tony Hill and David Crone, Works on Paper'.

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Reposted by Helen G Blake

Ashmolean Museum, Oxford @ashmoleanmuseum.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

A smiling sun sits at the centre of this 13th century bowl. Astrological imagery was a recurrent theme on both ceramic wares and metal vessels between the 12th and 13th centuries This type of decoration - blue and black painting under glaze was a technique developed in Iran around 1200.

A 13th-century bowl with a central sun design. The bowl is blue and cream in colour.

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Reposted by Helen G Blake

misheleneous Handmade Gifts | Home & Hound @misheleneous.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

#WeekWforWater #AlphabetChallenge 'Helen' This isn't my barge parked up in the Castlefield canal basin, but if I did have one then I might well call it after myself too 😄 #SundayReflection #Canal #Photography #Manchester #Barge #Reflection #Helen

A barge named Helen in the Castlefield canal basin in central Manchester. The boat and tow path trees are reflected in the water. Orange brick buildings can be see in the background

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

'In a hall of mirrors', 2025, oil on linen, 40 x 30cm. The 196th RHA Annual Exhibition opens to the public on Monday 25 May, I'm delighted that my painting 'In a hall of mirrors' has been selected. Many thanks to all at the RHA. Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts 15 Ely Place Dublin D02 A213

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

I’m delighted to have four paintings in this exhibition of works by 10 artists from the UK and Ireland. ‘Paint!’ opens Thursday 31 st May 5.30 at Cromer Art Space, see images 2 & 3 for all details. Image 1: ‘Sailing from here’, 2015, oil on linen laid on board, 32cm x 26cm.

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

So much to say about that Guardian list!! This is interesting analysis. On my list Now in November by Josephine Johnson would have been top 10. As would The Dream of the Red Chamber by Cao Xueqin.

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

I have work in several upcoming exhibitions which open this week: Image: 'A threshold is never only a doorway', 2024, acrylic on wood, 9.5cm x 9.5cm. Showing as part of 'Being/Belonging' at Slí an Chroí, St Patrick's, Kiltegan, Co Wicklow; Sunday 24 May 2 - 6pm.

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

7km of books under threat, plus study spaces… “Removal of 7km of books including subjects such as Philosophy, Ethics, Religion, Archeology, History, Music, Fine Arts, Language, Literature, and our invaluable collections of Salisbury, Welsh and Celtic literature.”

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Love this. I’ve never been to Cromer but four of my paintings arrived there last week, for a show which opens on 21 May. I could do with a toasted teacake right now.

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

A recent visit to Istanbul; amazing ❤️

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Jamshid Mirfenderesky: poet, philosopher, musician, artist, gallerist, curator… there will be many tributes over the coming days, and I will add mine in due course. Rest in peace dear Jamshid 💔

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Reposted by Helen G Blake

Ashmolean Museum, Oxford @ashmoleanmuseum.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Delicate purple, pink and even white snake's head fritillary plants, with their bell-like flowers, can be seen for a short window in early spring. This 1861 drawing is by John Ruskin and shows a single snake's-head fritillary stem and flower.

A watercolour of a single snakes-head fritillary flower on a stem. The purple and pink flower head droops down.

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

I'm delighted to be part of the third iteration of 'Postcards for Seyðisfjörður' Open 18 April - 4 June 2026 at the Embassy of Iceland in Copenhagen; Strandgade 89, DK-1401 København K The exhibition originally formed part of Sluice expo 2025 ‘Worldbuilding’ in Seyðisfjörður. www.hardpainting.com

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

Spring Morning by Guo Xi ( Northern Song China, ca. 1020-90). Via Stephen Ellcock.

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Reposted by Helen G Blake

Tom Lordan @tomlordan.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

My latest piece for Frieze is on the Basic Income for the Arts scheme in Ireland. A fantastic success, the pilot has now been made permanent - a model for other EU countries to follow. www.frieze.com/article/tom-... #Frieze #BasicIncome

frieze.com

Ireland Paid Its Artists – Did It Work?

While the visual arts remain in a fragile state, the government’s Basic Income for the Arts has helped make creative practice more viable

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

I'm delighted that Molesworth Gallery will be showing some of my paintings at Art Evolve Contemporary Art Fair, which opens tomorrow at the RDS, Dublin. Molesworth Gallery is a member of @CAGAIreland 📅Art Evolve 27–29 March 📍RDS, Dublin 🎟️Tickets available now at www.artevolve.ie

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

Happy birthday inspirational Agnes Martin. 22 March 1912 - 16 December 2004.

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

Bowl with Fish design , Iran, probably Kashan, late 13th–mid-14th century, stonepaste; black decoration under a transparent turquoise glaze The Hossein Afshar Collection. Via Stephen Ellcock

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Reposted by Helen G Blake

Irish Literary Times @irishlittimes.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

Sending this back out into the world: Everything Is Going to Be All Right — Derek Mahon. "There will be dying, there will be dying, but there is no need to go into that. The lines flow from the hand unbidden and the hidden source is the watchful heart..."

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Sixes and sevens, 2025, oil on linen, 30 x 24cm. This painting was included in my exhibition 'Let the rules be soft' at Molesworth Gallery, Dublin in September 2025.

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

This is strangely beautiful; read the whole thread.

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Reposted by Helen G Blake

uɐʅ∀ (𝙻𝚒𝚔𝚎𝚕𝚢 𝚂𝚌𝚊𝚖) @alanbutler.info · 19/01/2026

Director of the Complex, Vanessa Fielding's statement on the closure of the organisation. "A failure of cultural policy and accountability". #dublin

Statemwnt of closure of The Complex in Dublin:
The Complex will close following the failure of The Government and Dublin City Council to secure a viable resolution for an arts organisation that has operated continuously in the north west inner city for 18 years.

During that time, The Complex developed into a nationally and internationally recognised centre for contemporary Irish arts, supporting hundreds of artists, freelancers, technicians, designers, producers, and staff, and providing sustained cultural infrastructure in an area of the city with limited access to the arts.

Despite prolonged engagement and repeated assurances, no workable solution was delivered. The loss of The Complex represents a failure of cultural policy, accountability, and long-term planning within the public system.

Our efforts have also been frustrated by an inflexible landlord, focused exclusively on achieving vacant possession, to maximise the redevelopment value of the site.

This outcome stands in direct contradiction to stated commitments to support Irish arts, cultural employment, and equitable access to cultural life in Dublin.

Best wishes,

VANESSA FIELDING

CEO/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 18/01/2026

Alive inside, 2024, oil on linen, 30 x 24cm. The Winter Group Show continues at Molesworth Gallery, Dublin until 31 January, by appointment. I’m delighted to have five paintings included, this is one of them. molesworthgallery.com/exhibitions/...

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

The Winter Group Show at The Molesworth Gallery, Dublin, continues until 31 January, by appointment.

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Reposted by Helen G Blake

Ashmolean Museum, Oxford @ashmoleanmuseum.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

This wintery scene of Imado Bridge and Matsuchi Hill is by Japanese print designer Utagawa Hiroshige II. Hiroshige II was one of the most successful students of the great print artist Hiroshige I. He continued the landscape style pioneered by his master, creating many series of landscape prints.

A Japanese woodblock print of a snowy village scene with bridge and river.

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

Christmas can be a difficult time. If you’re feeling low, please know that friends are thinking of you and are ready to listen if you need to talk. I’m thinking of friends who have their own reasons to feel sad at this time of year; be gentle with yourselves. Have the loveliest time you can manage.

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Reposted by Helen G Blake

Ashmolean Museum, Oxford @ashmoleanmuseum.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

#AshmoleanAdvent Day 23: Winged Nike For today’s Ashmolean Advent treat we have a winged Nike, holding a ribbon in her hand, flying across a wine jug towards a tripod, a symbol of victory. 🪽Attic red-figure pottery jug, 450–430 BCE, by The Calliope Painter. AN1896-1908.G.280

A Greek wine jug, with a winged figure of Nike flying towards a tripod.

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Reposted by Helen G Blake

Office of Public Works @opwireland.bsky.social · 20/12/2025

Wondering how to watch the Winter Solstice livestream from Newgrange? Our short how-to video guides you step by step. 📅 21 Dec ⏰ 8.40am 🌅 Live from inside the chamber Save the link and tune in: gov.ie/solstice #WinterSolstice #Newgrange #ShareTheSolstice #OPW

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 20/12/2025

The Winter Group Show is now on at The Molesworth Gallery, Dublin. I'm delighted to have five paintings included. The exhibition continues until 23 December. molesworthgallery.com/.../130-wint...

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Reposted by Helen G Blake

Ashmolean Museum, Oxford @ashmoleanmuseum.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

#AshmoleanAdvent Day 11: The Virgin Mary This figure of the Virgin Mary was possibly carved in the Netherlands during the first half of the sixteenth century. When seen from the front, the figure kneels on a red cushion with tasselled ends, her hands held together in prayer.

A carved wooden figure of the Virgin Mary dressed in yellow and blue robes with her hands met in prayer. This image shows her facing forwards.

A carved wooden figure of the Virgin Mary dressed in yellow and blue robes with her hands met in prayer. This image shows her facing left.

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

Pageant, 2025, oil on linen, 30 x 24cm. ... The Winter Group Show is now on at The Molesworth Gallery, Dublin. I'm delighted to have four paintings included, this is one of them. The exhibition continues until 23 December. molesworthgallery.com/.../130-wint...

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 06/12/2025

A few photos from the current shows of work by Atsushi Kaga (images 1-3) and Stephen McKenna (image 4) at The Douglas Hyde Gallery of Contemporary Art. Highly recommended!

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

The Icelandic Embassy London are reprising the H_A_R_D_P_A_I_N_T_I_N_G exhibition ‘Postcards for Seyðisfjörður’, for which I made 3 works. Artists obversed the practice of sending a postcard from a place visited. We sent altered / adjusted / intervened postcards of Seyðisfjörður to Seyðisfjörður.

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

A new iteration of Vice Versa, curated by Johanna Melvin, will be part of The Errant Collaborators (a play within a play), opening 23 October at MIRROR. Arts University Plymouth Tavistock Place PLYMOUTH PL4 8AT ... A total of 102 artists in multiple projects.

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Delighted that my painting ‘In a hall of mirrors’ will be showing in the second iteration of ‘Vice Versa’ at MIRROR Gallery, Arts University Plymouth 24 October - 17 December. Part of ‘The Errant Collaborators’, several projects/exhibitions brought together by Dan Howard-Birt.

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Reposted by Helen G Blake

TheBlindboyPodcast @blindboyboatclub.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

New podcast. Remembering the legendary and irreplaceable Manchán Magan who died last week. And revisiting our first chat where he told me his life story. ❤️ open.spotify.com/episode/1BxM...

open.spotify.com

In memory of Manchán Magan

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Reposted by Helen G Blake

KokasHouse @kokashouse.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

One chapter in, and I am going to have to also purchase this in E-reader format to annotate. I've been reading 2-3 books a month for 40+ years, and this will be the 2nd book I've ever made notes on. Beautiful writing with sharp edges; a sledgehammer to western hegemony & liberal ideology

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Reposted by Helen G Blake

Chester Beatty @chesterbeatty.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

Exhibition Opening Soon! ✨📚 Manuscripts & the Mind: How we read & respond to the written word opens on 24 Oct! 👉🏻 chesterbeatty.ie/exhibitions/... #LoveDublin #ChesterBeatty #ManuscriptsandtheMind

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

'Hiccups', oil on linen, 30 x 24cm. Tues 30 Sept is the final day of my show, 'Let the rules be soft' at The Molesworth Gallery, Dublin. Thanks to Gallery Director Ronan Lyons, and thanks everyone who has been to see the show. molesworthgallery.com/exhibitions/...

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Helen G Blake @helengblake.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

'Self and yourself', oil on linen, 30 x 24cm. From my exhibition 'Let the rules be soft', which continues at The Molesworth Gallery until 30 September. ... For more information and to view works online, see: molesworthgallery.com/exhibitions/... #helenblake #molesworthgallery #dublingalleries

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Reposted by Helen G Blake

Ashmolean Museum, Oxford @ashmoleanmuseum.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

This beautiful object is a fragment from the base of a 13th-century Syrian bowl. It is decorated with a hare in an ‘arrested’ stance, that is with one of their front paws raised, and their head turned to the rear. Their two back legs are usually unnaturally lengthened. EA1978.2398

A round cream coloured fragment of fritware with a black stylised hare in the centre

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