Familiar: an exhibition by Ben Reilly

Cork Printmakers presents Familiar, a solo exhibition by Ben Reilly at Cork Printmakers Studio Gallery which celebrates drawing through the mediums of etching and casting.
Opening Reception: 5pm Thursday 19 February 2026

In this exhibition, Reilly works with cuttlefish casting and etching; both processes utilising similar tools to inscribe a line into his chosen material (cuttlefish/metal sheet). The former is filled with molten alloy, the latter etched in acid and printed, with the action of making a line connecting both processes. The work takes its inspiration from a mix of ideas, images and things that catch Reilly’s attention, from daily observations; an old yew tree, a disused church to the medieval cadaver stone slab of Thomas Ronan, former 16th century Mayor of Cork City.

Drawing, research, and observations are core to Reilly’s process, as with the practical process of cutting and shaping so, the same applies to the logic of the research and drawings and to get refitted and reworked. This approach of constant adaptation; whether working in sculpture, film, drawing or print, is the same; he sticks things together; cutting, erasing, scraping, refitting and reforming until all elements come together in resolution. This process of continual reworking is central to Reilly’s practice.

Opening times: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm, Monday - Thursday, or by appointment.
To avoid disappointment, please note that the gallery may occasionally be closed during these hours due to annual leave or offsite work. We recommend calling 021 4322422 in advance to arrange an appointment.