Introduction
EVA International (formerly known as Exhibition of Visual Art) is Ireland's preeminent biennial of contemporary art and one of the longest-running biennials in Europe. Founded in 1977 in Limerick, EVA has evolved from a local showcase for Irish artists into an internationally significant platform for contemporary art that brings together Irish and international artists in dialogue. The biennial transforms venues throughout Limerick city into exhibition spaces, temporarily repurposing historic buildings, public spaces, and established cultural institutions to create a distinctive context for experiencing contemporary art.
Unlike many biennials focused on spectacle and cultural tourism, EVA maintains a strong commitment to critical discourse, artist-centered approaches, and meaningful engagement with local contexts. Each edition is led by a different guest curator who develops a distinctive thematic framework, creating fresh perspectives while building upon the biennial's rich history. Through its 45+ year history, EVA has played a vital role in the development of contemporary art in Ireland while creating international connections and visibility for Irish artists and institutions.
Narrative & Themes
EVA International consistently engages with themes of cultural identity, historical memory, and socio-political transformation, often examining these issues through the particular lens of Ireland's complex history and its position at the western edge of Europe. While each edition develops its own distinct curatorial framework, there are recurring concerns with postcolonial conditions, migration and borders, institutional critique, and the politics of representation. These thematic explorations respond to both local Irish contexts and broader global developments.
The biennial's approach is characterized by a strong emphasis on research-based and discursive practices. Many participating artists develop new commissions through extended engagement with Limerick's specific histories, communities, and urban fabric. This site-responsive dimension creates meaningful connections between international artistic perspectives and local contexts, avoiding the pitfalls of parachute curation while maintaining global relevance.
Recent editions have explored themes such as the legacy of modernization in post-independence Ireland, the ethics of digital interconnectedness, ecological crisis and climate justice, and the relationship between artistic practices and social movements. These investigations frequently blur boundaries between artistic disciplines, incorporating performance, film, public programs, and publications alongside more conventional exhibition formats.
History & Context
EVA International was founded in 1977 as the Exhibition of Visual Art, initially operating as an annual juried exhibition primarily focused on Irish artists. Over the decades, it has evolved significantly in scale, structure, and international orientation, gradually transforming into a globally recognized biennial while maintaining its rootedness in Limerick and its commitment to supporting artistic development in Ireland.
A pivotal moment in EVA's history came in the early 2000s, when the exhibition transitioned to a biennial format with international guest curators, expanding its scope and ambition while forging stronger connections to global contemporary art discourses. This shift coincided with broader developments in Ireland's cultural landscape and Limerick's own urban regeneration efforts, positioning EVA as a significant platform for both local transformation and international exchange.
Founded as Exhibition of Visual Art, an annual juried show for Irish artists
Introduction of invited international artists and curators
Transition to biennial format as "ev+a"
Rebranded as EVA International with expanded global focus
Expanded program coinciding with Limerick's designation as Irish City of Culture
Phased approach adapted to pandemic conditions with extended programming
Irish Context
EVA International occupies a distinctive position within Ireland's artistic landscape as the country's only major international contemporary art biennial. This role has become increasingly important as Ireland's cultural sector has developed over recent decades, with EVA providing a vital bridge between local artistic communities and international networks.
The biennial's presence in Limerick, rather than the capital city of Dublin, reflects a commitment to cultural decentralization and regional development that resonates with broader discussions about resource distribution and accessibility in the arts. Limerick's specific character as a post-industrial city with a rich cultural heritage provides a complex backdrop for the exhibition, allowing for engagement with questions of urban regeneration, social class, institutional memory, and national identity.
Curatorial Approach
EVA International has developed a distinctive curatorial model that centers around invited guest curators who develop each edition's thematic framework and artist selection. These curators are typically internationally established figures who bring fresh perspectives to the biennial while engaging deeply with its specific context. This approach creates a productive tension between local grounding and global relevance, allowing each edition to maintain connection to EVA's history while exploring new artistic and curatorial directions.
2020-2021
Merve Elveren, "Little did they know"
2018
Inti Guerrero, "38th EVA International"
2016
Koyo Kouoh, "Still (the) Barbarians"
2014
Bassam El Baroni, "AGITATIONISM"
Beyond the selection of artworks, EVA's curatorial approach encompasses an extensive program of talks, workshops, publications, and educational initiatives that extend the biennial's temporal and conceptual reach. These complementary activities create multiple points of entry for diverse audiences while developing critical contexts for the exhibited works. The biennial also maintains a strong commitment to commissioning new work specifically for each edition, with many participating artists developing projects through extended research and engagement with Limerick.
Featured Projects
Throughout its history, EVA International has presented numerous significant works that exemplify its distinctive approach to site-responsive international art with local relevance. Many of these projects have emerged from sustained engagement with Limerick's physical and cultural landscape, creating meaningful connections between global artistic practices and specific Irish contexts.
A Visibility Matrix
Artists: Sven Anderson & Gerard Byrne
A multi-screen video installation exploring the changing conditions of image circulation and display in contemporary culture, presented in Limerick's historic Sailor's Home building and incorporating material from regional archives alongside international sources.
Caution! Fragile, Irish Linen
Artist: Otobong Nkanga
A research-based project examining the colonial histories and material connections between the Irish linen industry and West African cotton production, presented through performance, installation, and collaborative workshops with local textile workers.
The Logical Conclusion
Artist: Sam Keogh
A multimedia installation combining sculpture, drawing, and performance that explored the politics of waste and environmental degradation through fantastical narrative and immersive environment, created specifically for a former industrial space in Limerick.
Once Upon a Time
Artist: Bouchra Khalili
A film and installation project documenting oral histories of migration and political resistance in Ireland and North Africa, presented in conjunction with community-based workshops and public discussions about contemporary migration policies.
Exhibition Gallery
Venue Locations
EVA International utilizes multiple venues throughout Limerick city, transforming both established cultural institutions and temporarily repurposed spaces into exhibition sites.
