DUBLIN, IRELAND.- An exhibition of over 20 works from the Irish Museum of Modern Art’s Collection opens to the public on Friday 19 November at Naas General Hospital as part of a collaborative project between the hospital and IMMA’s National Programme. Looking Beyond combines artworks by Irish and International artists in a wide variety of media and includes paintings by Jack Yeats and Paul Henry, tapestries by Louis le Brocquy and prints by Ilya Kabakov.

Works in the exhibition range from The Flying Komarov, one of ten character albums by the Russian artist Ilya Kabakov, who deals with both hope and fear through his fictional characters to St Stephens Green, Closing Time by Jack B Yeats, a good example of his unique form of _expression by this artist who spent a lifetime painting the folklife and culture of Ireland.

Commenting on the project Johanne Mullan, National Programmer at IMMA said: “The arts have traditionally had a strong part to play in the healing process and their vital role in the well-being of many individuals has being clearly documented. The presence of a vibrant Visual Arts Programme at Naas General Hospital is testament to the benefits of initiatives such as this and IMMA is delighted to be involved in this project. It is clear that Naas General Hospital is seeking to promote the visual arts within the hospital not merely to distract but to engage the patient, visitor and staff alike.”

Rhonda Gibson, Community Affairs Manager, National Irish Bank added "We are delighted to support this exhibition which brings art to patients at Naas General Hospital. Our award-winning Branching Out Programme has helped us facilitate learning, development and community involvement across Ireland through the arts".

Naas General Hospital, through this exhibition and through a series of workshops, is working towards enhancing the environment of the hospital and facilitating greater access to and participation in the arts. Each artwork in Looking Beyond is both thoughtful and stimulating and leads the viewer to both question and re-affirm their values and beliefs.

The National Programme, now in its eighth-year, is designed to make the assets, skills and resources of the Museum available to centres outside Dublin. Through the lending of exhibitions and individual works, and the development of collaborative projects with other organisations, the National Programme establishes the Museum as inclusive, accessible and national.

A series of workshops for hospital staff and patients will be held alongside the exhibition as part of the Branching Out project. Branching Out is a programme designed by the Irish Museum of Modern Art and National Irish Bank to be national, inclusive and participative, bringing the visual arts to the community and providing opportunities for the community to get involved.

Catherine Marshall; Head of Collections at IMMA will give a talk on the exhibition on Monday 22 November at 1.00pm. Looking Beyond continues until 5 January 2005 at Naas General Hospital. The exhibition is on view in the main foyer of the hospital.