Art Riddler: Dublin’s Anonymous Art Patron
Dublin's mysterious arts benefactor returns for a new exhibition this weekend...
By
Aoife Allen
October 4, 2023
Taking place for the first time last year in October of 2022, the ‘Art Riddler’ and his self-titled exhibition took Dublin by storm. The anonymous art patron states on his website that he is not involved in the art world in any formal sense, but is an art collector and has acquired a modest collection of works over the years. In a sort of mission statement, he describes his realization of the difficulties faced by young artists to jump-start their careers. With the continuous closure of studio spaces, the lack of government funding and many other obstacles now faced by Ireland-based artists, the Art Riddler decided to step in. In hopes to “assist artists in some small way” the masked benefactor hosts a free-to-enter exhibition and competition in which artists keep all proceeds from the sale of their art, and, most astonishingly, the winner of the first place prize receives €10,000. Five additional winners are selected, who automatically qualify for ‘Art Riddler 2024’ and can invite a fellow artist to exhibit alongside them.
Art Riddler 2022 was held in Studio 10 on Wicklow Street with the grand prize being awarded to Ciana Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is an Irish surrealist-realism painter and experimental video artist, who graduated from Fine Art Painting at the National College of Art and Design in 2016 with first-class honours. The artist's work explores methods of communication that are unable to be articulated, as well as the effects of generational and collective trauma; these concepts manifest themselves in the physical body that Fitzgerald depicts in her paintings and films. The piece shown in the picture above won the artist the €10,000 prize at the 2022 exhibition.
The Art Riddler claims that all work submitted is reviewed by an independent expert, but the final decision is left up to the curator himself. Thus, the question that remains is who is this mysterious art philanthropist? What is definite is that the Art Riddler is a man; presumably a wealthy one at that. However, he has so far been successful at keeping his identity a secret. In a Zoom interview with The Irish Independent, the secretive patron committed to keeping his identity hidden, apparently checking with the interviewer that they could not see his face throughout the conversation. The question of identity remains, yet the assurance of support from the Art Riddler remains as sure as ever.
Director of Studio 10 Jeannie Wenham dismisses scepticism and caution around Art Riddler and his exhibition, although she does admit that throughout her 20-year involvement in the Irish creative industry, she has never heard of something like this happening before. She maintains that he is “a very lovely man, and his heart is definitely in the right place”. District Magazine even describes him as “Banksy’s rich benevolent twin”, though one with added touches of showmanship, such as making a cameo outside his own exhibition wearing a mask, as well as revealing the prize winner via phone call. The Art Riddler may be one for the dramatics, but can we blame him? After entirely self-funding an entire exhibition that boasts such a mammoth prize for its winner, I believe the Art Riddler is entitled to be as ostentatious as he likes.
This year’s Art Riddler exhibition sees 47 artists display their works again in Studio 10, opening on Friday 6th October and running until Sunday 8th October. Out of 680 applicants to this year's exhibition, only 40-50 pieces could be chosen, though the expression of interest in taking part in this year's run of Art Riddler is astounding. Several artist statements shared by the Art Riddler on his Instagram account describe the confidence boost and career opportunities that Art Riddler 2022 provided young artists.
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Although it is possible to critique the Art Riddler for being unnecessarily flashy and perhaps gimmicky, the impact that he has had on, not only the career of the prize winner but on all the participants in his show, is undeniable. Providing such an opportunity to emerging Irish creatives, asking for nothing in return is an invaluable addition to the Irish art industry.
Make sure to join the Art Riddler himself and the many participants at the opening night of the exhibition on Friday 6th October to witness the prize-winner being announced.
The Art Riddler Exhibition 2023 is showing at Studio 10 in Dublin from 6th - 8th October.
Make sure to check in with the gowithYamo app when you visit!
Taking place for the first time last year in October of 2022, the ‘Art Riddler’ and his self-titled exhibition took Dublin by storm. The anonymous art patron states on his website that he is not involved in the art world in any formal sense, but is an art collector and has acquired a modest collection of works over the years. In a sort of mission statement, he describes his realization of the difficulties faced by young artists to jump-start their careers. With the continuous closure of studio spaces, the lack of government funding and many other obstacles now faced by Ireland-based artists, the Art Riddler decided to step in. In hopes to “assist artists in some small way” the masked benefactor hosts a free-to-enter exhibition and competition in which artists keep all proceeds from the sale of their art, and, most astonishingly, the winner of the first place prize receives €10,000. Five additional winners are selected, who automatically qualify for ‘Art Riddler 2024’ and can invite a fellow artist to exhibit alongside them.
Art Riddler 2022 was held in Studio 10 on Wicklow Street with the grand prize being awarded to Ciana Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is an Irish surrealist-realism painter and experimental video artist, who graduated from Fine Art Painting at the National College of Art and Design in 2016 with first-class honours. The artist's work explores methods of communication that are unable to be articulated, as well as the effects of generational and collective trauma; these concepts manifest themselves in the physical body that Fitzgerald depicts in her paintings and films. The piece shown in the picture above won the artist the €10,000 prize at the 2022 exhibition.
The Art Riddler claims that all work submitted is reviewed by an independent expert, but the final decision is left up to the curator himself. Thus, the question that remains is who is this mysterious art philanthropist? What is definite is that the Art Riddler is a man; presumably a wealthy one at that. However, he has so far been successful at keeping his identity a secret. In a Zoom interview with The Irish Independent, the secretive patron committed to keeping his identity hidden, apparently checking with the interviewer that they could not see his face throughout the conversation. The question of identity remains, yet the assurance of support from the Art Riddler remains as sure as ever.
Director of Studio 10 Jeannie Wenham dismisses scepticism and caution around Art Riddler and his exhibition, although she does admit that throughout her 20-year involvement in the Irish creative industry, she has never heard of something like this happening before. She maintains that he is “a very lovely man, and his heart is definitely in the right place”. District Magazine even describes him as “Banksy’s rich benevolent twin”, though one with added touches of showmanship, such as making a cameo outside his own exhibition wearing a mask, as well as revealing the prize winner via phone call. The Art Riddler may be one for the dramatics, but can we blame him? After entirely self-funding an entire exhibition that boasts such a mammoth prize for its winner, I believe the Art Riddler is entitled to be as ostentatious as he likes.
This year’s Art Riddler exhibition sees 47 artists display their works again in Studio 10, opening on Friday 6th October and running until Sunday 8th October. Out of 680 applicants to this year's exhibition, only 40-50 pieces could be chosen, though the expression of interest in taking part in this year's run of Art Riddler is astounding. Several artist statements shared by the Art Riddler on his Instagram account describe the confidence boost and career opportunities that Art Riddler 2022 provided young artists.
Although it is possible to critique the Art Riddler for being unnecessarily flashy and perhaps gimmicky, the impact that he has had on, not only the career of the prize winner but on all the participants in his show, is undeniable. Providing such an opportunity to emerging Irish creatives, asking for nothing in return is an invaluable addition to the Irish art industry.
Make sure to join the Art Riddler himself and the many participants at the opening night of the exhibition on Friday 6th October to witness the prize-winner being announced.
The Art Riddler Exhibition 2023 is showing at Studio 10 in Dublin from 6th - 8th October.
Make sure to check in with the gowithYamo app when you visit!
Taking place for the first time last year in October of 2022, the ‘Art Riddler’ and his self-titled exhibition took Dublin by storm. The anonymous art patron states on his website that he is not involved in the art world in any formal sense, but is an art collector and has acquired a modest collection of works over the years. In a sort of mission statement, he describes his realization of the difficulties faced by young artists to jump-start their careers. With the continuous closure of studio spaces, the lack of government funding and many other obstacles now faced by Ireland-based artists, the Art Riddler decided to step in. In hopes to “assist artists in some small way” the masked benefactor hosts a free-to-enter exhibition and competition in which artists keep all proceeds from the sale of their art, and, most astonishingly, the winner of the first place prize receives €10,000. Five additional winners are selected, who automatically qualify for ‘Art Riddler 2024’ and can invite a fellow artist to exhibit alongside them.
Art Riddler 2022 was held in Studio 10 on Wicklow Street with the grand prize being awarded to Ciana Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is an Irish surrealist-realism painter and experimental video artist, who graduated from Fine Art Painting at the National College of Art and Design in 2016 with first-class honours. The artist's work explores methods of communication that are unable to be articulated, as well as the effects of generational and collective trauma; these concepts manifest themselves in the physical body that Fitzgerald depicts in her paintings and films. The piece shown in the picture above won the artist the €10,000 prize at the 2022 exhibition.
The Art Riddler claims that all work submitted is reviewed by an independent expert, but the final decision is left up to the curator himself. Thus, the question that remains is who is this mysterious art philanthropist? What is definite is that the Art Riddler is a man; presumably a wealthy one at that. However, he has so far been successful at keeping his identity a secret. In a Zoom interview with The Irish Independent, the secretive patron committed to keeping his identity hidden, apparently checking with the interviewer that they could not see his face throughout the conversation. The question of identity remains, yet the assurance of support from the Art Riddler remains as sure as ever.
Director of Studio 10 Jeannie Wenham dismisses scepticism and caution around Art Riddler and his exhibition, although she does admit that throughout her 20-year involvement in the Irish creative industry, she has never heard of something like this happening before. She maintains that he is “a very lovely man, and his heart is definitely in the right place”. District Magazine even describes him as “Banksy’s rich benevolent twin”, though one with added touches of showmanship, such as making a cameo outside his own exhibition wearing a mask, as well as revealing the prize winner via phone call. The Art Riddler may be one for the dramatics, but can we blame him? After entirely self-funding an entire exhibition that boasts such a mammoth prize for its winner, I believe the Art Riddler is entitled to be as ostentatious as he likes.
This year’s Art Riddler exhibition sees 47 artists display their works again in Studio 10, opening on Friday 6th October and running until Sunday 8th October. Out of 680 applicants to this year's exhibition, only 40-50 pieces could be chosen, though the expression of interest in taking part in this year's run of Art Riddler is astounding. Several artist statements shared by the Art Riddler on his Instagram account describe the confidence boost and career opportunities that Art Riddler 2022 provided young artists.
Although it is possible to critique the Art Riddler for being unnecessarily flashy and perhaps gimmicky, the impact that he has had on, not only the career of the prize winner but on all the participants in his show, is undeniable. Providing such an opportunity to emerging Irish creatives, asking for nothing in return is an invaluable addition to the Irish art industry.
Make sure to join the Art Riddler himself and the many participants at the opening night of the exhibition on Friday 6th October to witness the prize-winner being announced.
The Art Riddler Exhibition 2023 is showing at Studio 10 in Dublin from 6th - 8th October.
Make sure to check in with the gowithYamo app when you visit!
Taking place for the first time last year in October of 2022, the ‘Art Riddler’ and his self-titled exhibition took Dublin by storm. The anonymous art patron states on his website that he is not involved in the art world in any formal sense, but is an art collector and has acquired a modest collection of works over the years. In a sort of mission statement, he describes his realization of the difficulties faced by young artists to jump-start their careers. With the continuous closure of studio spaces, the lack of government funding and many other obstacles now faced by Ireland-based artists, the Art Riddler decided to step in. In hopes to “assist artists in some small way” the masked benefactor hosts a free-to-enter exhibition and competition in which artists keep all proceeds from the sale of their art, and, most astonishingly, the winner of the first place prize receives €10,000. Five additional winners are selected, who automatically qualify for ‘Art Riddler 2024’ and can invite a fellow artist to exhibit alongside them.
Art Riddler 2022 was held in Studio 10 on Wicklow Street with the grand prize being awarded to Ciana Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is an Irish surrealist-realism painter and experimental video artist, who graduated from Fine Art Painting at the National College of Art and Design in 2016 with first-class honours. The artist's work explores methods of communication that are unable to be articulated, as well as the effects of generational and collective trauma; these concepts manifest themselves in the physical body that Fitzgerald depicts in her paintings and films. The piece shown in the picture above won the artist the €10,000 prize at the 2022 exhibition.
The Art Riddler claims that all work submitted is reviewed by an independent expert, but the final decision is left up to the curator himself. Thus, the question that remains is who is this mysterious art philanthropist? What is definite is that the Art Riddler is a man; presumably a wealthy one at that. However, he has so far been successful at keeping his identity a secret. In a Zoom interview with The Irish Independent, the secretive patron committed to keeping his identity hidden, apparently checking with the interviewer that they could not see his face throughout the conversation. The question of identity remains, yet the assurance of support from the Art Riddler remains as sure as ever.
Director of Studio 10 Jeannie Wenham dismisses scepticism and caution around Art Riddler and his exhibition, although she does admit that throughout her 20-year involvement in the Irish creative industry, she has never heard of something like this happening before. She maintains that he is “a very lovely man, and his heart is definitely in the right place”. District Magazine even describes him as “Banksy’s rich benevolent twin”, though one with added touches of showmanship, such as making a cameo outside his own exhibition wearing a mask, as well as revealing the prize winner via phone call. The Art Riddler may be one for the dramatics, but can we blame him? After entirely self-funding an entire exhibition that boasts such a mammoth prize for its winner, I believe the Art Riddler is entitled to be as ostentatious as he likes.
This year’s Art Riddler exhibition sees 47 artists display their works again in Studio 10, opening on Friday 6th October and running until Sunday 8th October. Out of 680 applicants to this year's exhibition, only 40-50 pieces could be chosen, though the expression of interest in taking part in this year's run of Art Riddler is astounding. Several artist statements shared by the Art Riddler on his Instagram account describe the confidence boost and career opportunities that Art Riddler 2022 provided young artists.
Although it is possible to critique the Art Riddler for being unnecessarily flashy and perhaps gimmicky, the impact that he has had on, not only the career of the prize winner but on all the participants in his show, is undeniable. Providing such an opportunity to emerging Irish creatives, asking for nothing in return is an invaluable addition to the Irish art industry.
Make sure to join the Art Riddler himself and the many participants at the opening night of the exhibition on Friday 6th October to witness the prize-winner being announced.
The Art Riddler Exhibition 2023 is showing at Studio 10 in Dublin from 6th - 8th October.
Make sure to check in with the gowithYamo app when you visit!
Taking place for the first time last year in October of 2022, the ‘Art Riddler’ and his self-titled exhibition took Dublin by storm. The anonymous art patron states on his website that he is not involved in the art world in any formal sense, but is an art collector and has acquired a modest collection of works over the years. In a sort of mission statement, he describes his realization of the difficulties faced by young artists to jump-start their careers. With the continuous closure of studio spaces, the lack of government funding and many other obstacles now faced by Ireland-based artists, the Art Riddler decided to step in. In hopes to “assist artists in some small way” the masked benefactor hosts a free-to-enter exhibition and competition in which artists keep all proceeds from the sale of their art, and, most astonishingly, the winner of the first place prize receives €10,000. Five additional winners are selected, who automatically qualify for ‘Art Riddler 2024’ and can invite a fellow artist to exhibit alongside them.
Art Riddler 2022 was held in Studio 10 on Wicklow Street with the grand prize being awarded to Ciana Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is an Irish surrealist-realism painter and experimental video artist, who graduated from Fine Art Painting at the National College of Art and Design in 2016 with first-class honours. The artist's work explores methods of communication that are unable to be articulated, as well as the effects of generational and collective trauma; these concepts manifest themselves in the physical body that Fitzgerald depicts in her paintings and films. The piece shown in the picture above won the artist the €10,000 prize at the 2022 exhibition.
The Art Riddler claims that all work submitted is reviewed by an independent expert, but the final decision is left up to the curator himself. Thus, the question that remains is who is this mysterious art philanthropist? What is definite is that the Art Riddler is a man; presumably a wealthy one at that. However, he has so far been successful at keeping his identity a secret. In a Zoom interview with The Irish Independent, the secretive patron committed to keeping his identity hidden, apparently checking with the interviewer that they could not see his face throughout the conversation. The question of identity remains, yet the assurance of support from the Art Riddler remains as sure as ever.
Director of Studio 10 Jeannie Wenham dismisses scepticism and caution around Art Riddler and his exhibition, although she does admit that throughout her 20-year involvement in the Irish creative industry, she has never heard of something like this happening before. She maintains that he is “a very lovely man, and his heart is definitely in the right place”. District Magazine even describes him as “Banksy’s rich benevolent twin”, though one with added touches of showmanship, such as making a cameo outside his own exhibition wearing a mask, as well as revealing the prize winner via phone call. The Art Riddler may be one for the dramatics, but can we blame him? After entirely self-funding an entire exhibition that boasts such a mammoth prize for its winner, I believe the Art Riddler is entitled to be as ostentatious as he likes.
This year’s Art Riddler exhibition sees 47 artists display their works again in Studio 10, opening on Friday 6th October and running until Sunday 8th October. Out of 680 applicants to this year's exhibition, only 40-50 pieces could be chosen, though the expression of interest in taking part in this year's run of Art Riddler is astounding. Several artist statements shared by the Art Riddler on his Instagram account describe the confidence boost and career opportunities that Art Riddler 2022 provided young artists.
Although it is possible to critique the Art Riddler for being unnecessarily flashy and perhaps gimmicky, the impact that he has had on, not only the career of the prize winner but on all the participants in his show, is undeniable. Providing such an opportunity to emerging Irish creatives, asking for nothing in return is an invaluable addition to the Irish art industry.
Make sure to join the Art Riddler himself and the many participants at the opening night of the exhibition on Friday 6th October to witness the prize-winner being announced.
The Art Riddler Exhibition 2023 is showing at Studio 10 in Dublin from 6th - 8th October.
Make sure to check in with the gowithYamo app when you visit!
Taking place for the first time last year in October of 2022, the ‘Art Riddler’ and his self-titled exhibition took Dublin by storm. The anonymous art patron states on his website that he is not involved in the art world in any formal sense, but is an art collector and has acquired a modest collection of works over the years. In a sort of mission statement, he describes his realization of the difficulties faced by young artists to jump-start their careers. With the continuous closure of studio spaces, the lack of government funding and many other obstacles now faced by Ireland-based artists, the Art Riddler decided to step in. In hopes to “assist artists in some small way” the masked benefactor hosts a free-to-enter exhibition and competition in which artists keep all proceeds from the sale of their art, and, most astonishingly, the winner of the first place prize receives €10,000. Five additional winners are selected, who automatically qualify for ‘Art Riddler 2024’ and can invite a fellow artist to exhibit alongside them.
Art Riddler 2022 was held in Studio 10 on Wicklow Street with the grand prize being awarded to Ciana Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is an Irish surrealist-realism painter and experimental video artist, who graduated from Fine Art Painting at the National College of Art and Design in 2016 with first-class honours. The artist's work explores methods of communication that are unable to be articulated, as well as the effects of generational and collective trauma; these concepts manifest themselves in the physical body that Fitzgerald depicts in her paintings and films. The piece shown in the picture above won the artist the €10,000 prize at the 2022 exhibition.
The Art Riddler claims that all work submitted is reviewed by an independent expert, but the final decision is left up to the curator himself. Thus, the question that remains is who is this mysterious art philanthropist? What is definite is that the Art Riddler is a man; presumably a wealthy one at that. However, he has so far been successful at keeping his identity a secret. In a Zoom interview with The Irish Independent, the secretive patron committed to keeping his identity hidden, apparently checking with the interviewer that they could not see his face throughout the conversation. The question of identity remains, yet the assurance of support from the Art Riddler remains as sure as ever.
Director of Studio 10 Jeannie Wenham dismisses scepticism and caution around Art Riddler and his exhibition, although she does admit that throughout her 20-year involvement in the Irish creative industry, she has never heard of something like this happening before. She maintains that he is “a very lovely man, and his heart is definitely in the right place”. District Magazine even describes him as “Banksy’s rich benevolent twin”, though one with added touches of showmanship, such as making a cameo outside his own exhibition wearing a mask, as well as revealing the prize winner via phone call. The Art Riddler may be one for the dramatics, but can we blame him? After entirely self-funding an entire exhibition that boasts such a mammoth prize for its winner, I believe the Art Riddler is entitled to be as ostentatious as he likes.
This year’s Art Riddler exhibition sees 47 artists display their works again in Studio 10, opening on Friday 6th October and running until Sunday 8th October. Out of 680 applicants to this year's exhibition, only 40-50 pieces could be chosen, though the expression of interest in taking part in this year's run of Art Riddler is astounding. Several artist statements shared by the Art Riddler on his Instagram account describe the confidence boost and career opportunities that Art Riddler 2022 provided young artists.
Although it is possible to critique the Art Riddler for being unnecessarily flashy and perhaps gimmicky, the impact that he has had on, not only the career of the prize winner but on all the participants in his show, is undeniable. Providing such an opportunity to emerging Irish creatives, asking for nothing in return is an invaluable addition to the Irish art industry.
Make sure to join the Art Riddler himself and the many participants at the opening night of the exhibition on Friday 6th October to witness the prize-winner being announced.
The Art Riddler Exhibition 2023 is showing at Studio 10 in Dublin from 6th - 8th October.
Make sure to check in with the gowithYamo app when you visit!
Taking place for the first time last year in October of 2022, the ‘Art Riddler’ and his self-titled exhibition took Dublin by storm. The anonymous art patron states on his website that he is not involved in the art world in any formal sense, but is an art collector and has acquired a modest collection of works over the years. In a sort of mission statement, he describes his realization of the difficulties faced by young artists to jump-start their careers. With the continuous closure of studio spaces, the lack of government funding and many other obstacles now faced by Ireland-based artists, the Art Riddler decided to step in. In hopes to “assist artists in some small way” the masked benefactor hosts a free-to-enter exhibition and competition in which artists keep all proceeds from the sale of their art, and, most astonishingly, the winner of the first place prize receives €10,000. Five additional winners are selected, who automatically qualify for ‘Art Riddler 2024’ and can invite a fellow artist to exhibit alongside them.
Art Riddler 2022 was held in Studio 10 on Wicklow Street with the grand prize being awarded to Ciana Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is an Irish surrealist-realism painter and experimental video artist, who graduated from Fine Art Painting at the National College of Art and Design in 2016 with first-class honours. The artist's work explores methods of communication that are unable to be articulated, as well as the effects of generational and collective trauma; these concepts manifest themselves in the physical body that Fitzgerald depicts in her paintings and films. The piece shown in the picture above won the artist the €10,000 prize at the 2022 exhibition.
The Art Riddler claims that all work submitted is reviewed by an independent expert, but the final decision is left up to the curator himself. Thus, the question that remains is who is this mysterious art philanthropist? What is definite is that the Art Riddler is a man; presumably a wealthy one at that. However, he has so far been successful at keeping his identity a secret. In a Zoom interview with The Irish Independent, the secretive patron committed to keeping his identity hidden, apparently checking with the interviewer that they could not see his face throughout the conversation. The question of identity remains, yet the assurance of support from the Art Riddler remains as sure as ever.
Director of Studio 10 Jeannie Wenham dismisses scepticism and caution around Art Riddler and his exhibition, although she does admit that throughout her 20-year involvement in the Irish creative industry, she has never heard of something like this happening before. She maintains that he is “a very lovely man, and his heart is definitely in the right place”. District Magazine even describes him as “Banksy’s rich benevolent twin”, though one with added touches of showmanship, such as making a cameo outside his own exhibition wearing a mask, as well as revealing the prize winner via phone call. The Art Riddler may be one for the dramatics, but can we blame him? After entirely self-funding an entire exhibition that boasts such a mammoth prize for its winner, I believe the Art Riddler is entitled to be as ostentatious as he likes.
This year’s Art Riddler exhibition sees 47 artists display their works again in Studio 10, opening on Friday 6th October and running until Sunday 8th October. Out of 680 applicants to this year's exhibition, only 40-50 pieces could be chosen, though the expression of interest in taking part in this year's run of Art Riddler is astounding. Several artist statements shared by the Art Riddler on his Instagram account describe the confidence boost and career opportunities that Art Riddler 2022 provided young artists.
Although it is possible to critique the Art Riddler for being unnecessarily flashy and perhaps gimmicky, the impact that he has had on, not only the career of the prize winner but on all the participants in his show, is undeniable. Providing such an opportunity to emerging Irish creatives, asking for nothing in return is an invaluable addition to the Irish art industry.
Make sure to join the Art Riddler himself and the many participants at the opening night of the exhibition on Friday 6th October to witness the prize-winner being announced.
The Art Riddler Exhibition 2023 is showing at Studio 10 in Dublin from 6th - 8th October.
Make sure to check in with the gowithYamo app when you visit!
Taking place for the first time last year in October of 2022, the ‘Art Riddler’ and his self-titled exhibition took Dublin by storm. The anonymous art patron states on his website that he is not involved in the art world in any formal sense, but is an art collector and has acquired a modest collection of works over the years. In a sort of mission statement, he describes his realization of the difficulties faced by young artists to jump-start their careers. With the continuous closure of studio spaces, the lack of government funding and many other obstacles now faced by Ireland-based artists, the Art Riddler decided to step in. In hopes to “assist artists in some small way” the masked benefactor hosts a free-to-enter exhibition and competition in which artists keep all proceeds from the sale of their art, and, most astonishingly, the winner of the first place prize receives €10,000. Five additional winners are selected, who automatically qualify for ‘Art Riddler 2024’ and can invite a fellow artist to exhibit alongside them.
Art Riddler 2022 was held in Studio 10 on Wicklow Street with the grand prize being awarded to Ciana Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is an Irish surrealist-realism painter and experimental video artist, who graduated from Fine Art Painting at the National College of Art and Design in 2016 with first-class honours. The artist's work explores methods of communication that are unable to be articulated, as well as the effects of generational and collective trauma; these concepts manifest themselves in the physical body that Fitzgerald depicts in her paintings and films. The piece shown in the picture above won the artist the €10,000 prize at the 2022 exhibition.
The Art Riddler claims that all work submitted is reviewed by an independent expert, but the final decision is left up to the curator himself. Thus, the question that remains is who is this mysterious art philanthropist? What is definite is that the Art Riddler is a man; presumably a wealthy one at that. However, he has so far been successful at keeping his identity a secret. In a Zoom interview with The Irish Independent, the secretive patron committed to keeping his identity hidden, apparently checking with the interviewer that they could not see his face throughout the conversation. The question of identity remains, yet the assurance of support from the Art Riddler remains as sure as ever.
Director of Studio 10 Jeannie Wenham dismisses scepticism and caution around Art Riddler and his exhibition, although she does admit that throughout her 20-year involvement in the Irish creative industry, she has never heard of something like this happening before. She maintains that he is “a very lovely man, and his heart is definitely in the right place”. District Magazine even describes him as “Banksy’s rich benevolent twin”, though one with added touches of showmanship, such as making a cameo outside his own exhibition wearing a mask, as well as revealing the prize winner via phone call. The Art Riddler may be one for the dramatics, but can we blame him? After entirely self-funding an entire exhibition that boasts such a mammoth prize for its winner, I believe the Art Riddler is entitled to be as ostentatious as he likes.
This year’s Art Riddler exhibition sees 47 artists display their works again in Studio 10, opening on Friday 6th October and running until Sunday 8th October. Out of 680 applicants to this year's exhibition, only 40-50 pieces could be chosen, though the expression of interest in taking part in this year's run of Art Riddler is astounding. Several artist statements shared by the Art Riddler on his Instagram account describe the confidence boost and career opportunities that Art Riddler 2022 provided young artists.
Although it is possible to critique the Art Riddler for being unnecessarily flashy and perhaps gimmicky, the impact that he has had on, not only the career of the prize winner but on all the participants in his show, is undeniable. Providing such an opportunity to emerging Irish creatives, asking for nothing in return is an invaluable addition to the Irish art industry.
Make sure to join the Art Riddler himself and the many participants at the opening night of the exhibition on Friday 6th October to witness the prize-winner being announced.
The Art Riddler Exhibition 2023 is showing at Studio 10 in Dublin from 6th - 8th October.
Make sure to check in with the gowithYamo app when you visit!
Taking place for the first time last year in October of 2022, the ‘Art Riddler’ and his self-titled exhibition took Dublin by storm. The anonymous art patron states on his website that he is not involved in the art world in any formal sense, but is an art collector and has acquired a modest collection of works over the years. In a sort of mission statement, he describes his realization of the difficulties faced by young artists to jump-start their careers. With the continuous closure of studio spaces, the lack of government funding and many other obstacles now faced by Ireland-based artists, the Art Riddler decided to step in. In hopes to “assist artists in some small way” the masked benefactor hosts a free-to-enter exhibition and competition in which artists keep all proceeds from the sale of their art, and, most astonishingly, the winner of the first place prize receives €10,000. Five additional winners are selected, who automatically qualify for ‘Art Riddler 2024’ and can invite a fellow artist to exhibit alongside them.
Art Riddler 2022 was held in Studio 10 on Wicklow Street with the grand prize being awarded to Ciana Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is an Irish surrealist-realism painter and experimental video artist, who graduated from Fine Art Painting at the National College of Art and Design in 2016 with first-class honours. The artist's work explores methods of communication that are unable to be articulated, as well as the effects of generational and collective trauma; these concepts manifest themselves in the physical body that Fitzgerald depicts in her paintings and films. The piece shown in the picture above won the artist the €10,000 prize at the 2022 exhibition.
The Art Riddler claims that all work submitted is reviewed by an independent expert, but the final decision is left up to the curator himself. Thus, the question that remains is who is this mysterious art philanthropist? What is definite is that the Art Riddler is a man; presumably a wealthy one at that. However, he has so far been successful at keeping his identity a secret. In a Zoom interview with The Irish Independent, the secretive patron committed to keeping his identity hidden, apparently checking with the interviewer that they could not see his face throughout the conversation. The question of identity remains, yet the assurance of support from the Art Riddler remains as sure as ever.
Director of Studio 10 Jeannie Wenham dismisses scepticism and caution around Art Riddler and his exhibition, although she does admit that throughout her 20-year involvement in the Irish creative industry, she has never heard of something like this happening before. She maintains that he is “a very lovely man, and his heart is definitely in the right place”. District Magazine even describes him as “Banksy’s rich benevolent twin”, though one with added touches of showmanship, such as making a cameo outside his own exhibition wearing a mask, as well as revealing the prize winner via phone call. The Art Riddler may be one for the dramatics, but can we blame him? After entirely self-funding an entire exhibition that boasts such a mammoth prize for its winner, I believe the Art Riddler is entitled to be as ostentatious as he likes.
This year’s Art Riddler exhibition sees 47 artists display their works again in Studio 10, opening on Friday 6th October and running until Sunday 8th October. Out of 680 applicants to this year's exhibition, only 40-50 pieces could be chosen, though the expression of interest in taking part in this year's run of Art Riddler is astounding. Several artist statements shared by the Art Riddler on his Instagram account describe the confidence boost and career opportunities that Art Riddler 2022 provided young artists.
Although it is possible to critique the Art Riddler for being unnecessarily flashy and perhaps gimmicky, the impact that he has had on, not only the career of the prize winner but on all the participants in his show, is undeniable. Providing such an opportunity to emerging Irish creatives, asking for nothing in return is an invaluable addition to the Irish art industry.
Make sure to join the Art Riddler himself and the many participants at the opening night of the exhibition on Friday 6th October to witness the prize-winner being announced.
The Art Riddler Exhibition 2023 is showing at Studio 10 in Dublin from 6th - 8th October.
Make sure to check in with the gowithYamo app when you visit!
Taking place for the first time last year in October of 2022, the ‘Art Riddler’ and his self-titled exhibition took Dublin by storm. The anonymous art patron states on his website that he is not involved in the art world in any formal sense, but is an art collector and has acquired a modest collection of works over the years. In a sort of mission statement, he describes his realization of the difficulties faced by young artists to jump-start their careers. With the continuous closure of studio spaces, the lack of government funding and many other obstacles now faced by Ireland-based artists, the Art Riddler decided to step in. In hopes to “assist artists in some small way” the masked benefactor hosts a free-to-enter exhibition and competition in which artists keep all proceeds from the sale of their art, and, most astonishingly, the winner of the first place prize receives €10,000. Five additional winners are selected, who automatically qualify for ‘Art Riddler 2024’ and can invite a fellow artist to exhibit alongside them.
Art Riddler 2022 was held in Studio 10 on Wicklow Street with the grand prize being awarded to Ciana Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is an Irish surrealist-realism painter and experimental video artist, who graduated from Fine Art Painting at the National College of Art and Design in 2016 with first-class honours. The artist's work explores methods of communication that are unable to be articulated, as well as the effects of generational and collective trauma; these concepts manifest themselves in the physical body that Fitzgerald depicts in her paintings and films. The piece shown in the picture above won the artist the €10,000 prize at the 2022 exhibition.
The Art Riddler claims that all work submitted is reviewed by an independent expert, but the final decision is left up to the curator himself. Thus, the question that remains is who is this mysterious art philanthropist? What is definite is that the Art Riddler is a man; presumably a wealthy one at that. However, he has so far been successful at keeping his identity a secret. In a Zoom interview with The Irish Independent, the secretive patron committed to keeping his identity hidden, apparently checking with the interviewer that they could not see his face throughout the conversation. The question of identity remains, yet the assurance of support from the Art Riddler remains as sure as ever.
Director of Studio 10 Jeannie Wenham dismisses scepticism and caution around Art Riddler and his exhibition, although she does admit that throughout her 20-year involvement in the Irish creative industry, she has never heard of something like this happening before. She maintains that he is “a very lovely man, and his heart is definitely in the right place”. District Magazine even describes him as “Banksy’s rich benevolent twin”, though one with added touches of showmanship, such as making a cameo outside his own exhibition wearing a mask, as well as revealing the prize winner via phone call. The Art Riddler may be one for the dramatics, but can we blame him? After entirely self-funding an entire exhibition that boasts such a mammoth prize for its winner, I believe the Art Riddler is entitled to be as ostentatious as he likes.
This year’s Art Riddler exhibition sees 47 artists display their works again in Studio 10, opening on Friday 6th October and running until Sunday 8th October. Out of 680 applicants to this year's exhibition, only 40-50 pieces could be chosen, though the expression of interest in taking part in this year's run of Art Riddler is astounding. Several artist statements shared by the Art Riddler on his Instagram account describe the confidence boost and career opportunities that Art Riddler 2022 provided young artists.
Although it is possible to critique the Art Riddler for being unnecessarily flashy and perhaps gimmicky, the impact that he has had on, not only the career of the prize winner but on all the participants in his show, is undeniable. Providing such an opportunity to emerging Irish creatives, asking for nothing in return is an invaluable addition to the Irish art industry.
Make sure to join the Art Riddler himself and the many participants at the opening night of the exhibition on Friday 6th October to witness the prize-winner being announced.
The Art Riddler Exhibition 2023 is showing at Studio 10 in Dublin from 6th - 8th October.
Make sure to check in with the gowithYamo app when you visit!
Taking place for the first time last year in October of 2022, the ‘Art Riddler’ and his self-titled exhibition took Dublin by storm. The anonymous art patron states on his website that he is not involved in the art world in any formal sense, but is an art collector and has acquired a modest collection of works over the years. In a sort of mission statement, he describes his realization of the difficulties faced by young artists to jump-start their careers. With the continuous closure of studio spaces, the lack of government funding and many other obstacles now faced by Ireland-based artists, the Art Riddler decided to step in. In hopes to “assist artists in some small way” the masked benefactor hosts a free-to-enter exhibition and competition in which artists keep all proceeds from the sale of their art, and, most astonishingly, the winner of the first place prize receives €10,000. Five additional winners are selected, who automatically qualify for ‘Art Riddler 2024’ and can invite a fellow artist to exhibit alongside them.
Art Riddler 2022 was held in Studio 10 on Wicklow Street with the grand prize being awarded to Ciana Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is an Irish surrealist-realism painter and experimental video artist, who graduated from Fine Art Painting at the National College of Art and Design in 2016 with first-class honours. The artist's work explores methods of communication that are unable to be articulated, as well as the effects of generational and collective trauma; these concepts manifest themselves in the physical body that Fitzgerald depicts in her paintings and films. The piece shown in the picture above won the artist the €10,000 prize at the 2022 exhibition.
The Art Riddler claims that all work submitted is reviewed by an independent expert, but the final decision is left up to the curator himself. Thus, the question that remains is who is this mysterious art philanthropist? What is definite is that the Art Riddler is a man; presumably a wealthy one at that. However, he has so far been successful at keeping his identity a secret. In a Zoom interview with The Irish Independent, the secretive patron committed to keeping his identity hidden, apparently checking with the interviewer that they could not see his face throughout the conversation. The question of identity remains, yet the assurance of support from the Art Riddler remains as sure as ever.
Director of Studio 10 Jeannie Wenham dismisses scepticism and caution around Art Riddler and his exhibition, although she does admit that throughout her 20-year involvement in the Irish creative industry, she has never heard of something like this happening before. She maintains that he is “a very lovely man, and his heart is definitely in the right place”. District Magazine even describes him as “Banksy’s rich benevolent twin”, though one with added touches of showmanship, such as making a cameo outside his own exhibition wearing a mask, as well as revealing the prize winner via phone call. The Art Riddler may be one for the dramatics, but can we blame him? After entirely self-funding an entire exhibition that boasts such a mammoth prize for its winner, I believe the Art Riddler is entitled to be as ostentatious as he likes.
This year’s Art Riddler exhibition sees 47 artists display their works again in Studio 10, opening on Friday 6th October and running until Sunday 8th October. Out of 680 applicants to this year's exhibition, only 40-50 pieces could be chosen, though the expression of interest in taking part in this year's run of Art Riddler is astounding. Several artist statements shared by the Art Riddler on his Instagram account describe the confidence boost and career opportunities that Art Riddler 2022 provided young artists.
Although it is possible to critique the Art Riddler for being unnecessarily flashy and perhaps gimmicky, the impact that he has had on, not only the career of the prize winner but on all the participants in his show, is undeniable. Providing such an opportunity to emerging Irish creatives, asking for nothing in return is an invaluable addition to the Irish art industry.
Make sure to join the Art Riddler himself and the many participants at the opening night of the exhibition on Friday 6th October to witness the prize-winner being announced.
The Art Riddler Exhibition 2023 is showing at Studio 10 in Dublin from 6th - 8th October.
Make sure to check in with the gowithYamo app when you visit!
