Atelier Maser reopen their doors with new show ‘Assemble’

With restrictions easing, Atelier Maser on Charlemont Street is preparing to get back into the swing of things, starting with its upcoming exhibition, ‘Assemble’.

After what gallery director Martina McDonald described as an “extremely unusual few months” in lockdown, the Atelier now have the future in sight as they plan their upcoming projects.

“It was a financially uncertain time for independent businesses such as Atelier Maser, but simultaneously, it was an extremely valuable time,” said McDonald in regards to the closing of businesses during the last several months. “It encouraged us to pare back all of the public activities and events at Atelier Maser and it gave us an abundance of time to re-focus on the fundamentals of the business – the creative studio and the gallery.

“After a busy first year of continuous programming for the gallery, we had the breathing space to reflect on the growth of the business, and refocus the direction everything was going.”

‘Assemble’ will be the Atelier’s first ever group show, launching on the 8th of August. The exhibition boasts a stellar line-up of artists including Helen Steele, Aoife Scott, Jane Fogarty, Deirdre Breen, Lola Donoghue and Alice Fitzgerald. “It will showcase a snapshot of contemporary Irish art, and we’re excited to open our doors again with the exhibition,” said McDonald.

‘Assemble’ will be launching over a full day to allow people to flow safely through the space. It will be a chilled atmosphere with drinks by Jameson. If you’re planning on going to the launch you must pre-book free tickets on Eventbrite. The exhibition continues until the 28th of August. This is the first of many upcoming events for the Atelier - they assure us they have big plans for Culture Night this coming September also.

Before the pandemic, the Atelier was known for hosting meditation and wellness events. As the gallery closed, they moved these events online. “For us, it felt like a natural progression,” explained McDonald. “Our meditation teacher Conor Creighton is based between Berlin and Dublin, and regularly hosts meditation courses online, so when we decided to invite our meditation community online too – it was very successful.” However, they don’t wish to move any more events online. “From a wellness perspective, with the huge increase of zoom calls in people's daily lives at the moment - we are mindful of adding to digital burnouts.”

Atelier Maser was opened in 2018 by Al Harding, otherwise known as acclaimed artist Maser. It was created as a hub for creating original work and nurturing young talent. Since then, the team at the Atelier feel as though it has been a huge success and has become a strong fixture both in the Dublin community and the Irish gallery scene. So far, they have hosted four solo exhibitions amidst ongoing wellness programmes, artist residencies, internships and pop-up events.

The team at the Atelier feel it’s important to provide a publicly engaged space in Dublin that promotes inclusivity, diversity among art forms and open discourse with the community. “Having started out somewhat as a passion project by Al, in many ways Atelier Maser has become a standalone entity now which is really exciting,” said McDonald. “Yes, it is primarily a space where artists can showcase their work, but equally, it is a space for artists to turn to for advice and mentorship. We have an open door policy in the studio and always welcome new faces to the space!”