Background
Ireland, David Kenneth was born on August 25, 1930 in Bellingham, Washington, District of Columbia, United States.
Ireland, David Kenneth was born on August 25, 1930 in Bellingham, Washington, District of Columbia, United States.
Student, Western Washington State University, Bellingham, 1948—1950. Bachelor of Applied Arts, California College Arts and Crafts, Oakland, 1953. Postgraduate, Laney College, Oakland, 1972—1974.
Master of Fine Arts, San Francisco Art Institute, 1974.
Born in Bellingham, Washington. After leaving the Army Ireland traveled Europe extensively, working as an illustrator, and eventually traveled to Africa to lead safaris. In 1975, Ireland purchased a victorian house built in 1886 from Paul John Greub, an accordion maker, for $50,000.
The house is located at 500 Capp Street (20th Street and Capp Street) in the Mission District of San Francisco.
Ireland is most well known for creating site-specific installation art pieces. Most notably, his former residence at 500 Capp Street in San Francisco, where his work is also shown at Gallery Paule Anglim.
Moving between two and three dimensions within the same sculptures, Ireland explores concepts of scale and vision. Known for his wide range of materials, works are made from paint cans, phone books, metal, cement, wood and, even the skull of a water buffalo.
In 1999, Ireland collaborated with sound artist GX Jupitter-Larsen remixing and re-recording tapes from the audio archives of 500 Capp Saint The outcome was released as a Civil Defense on Vinyl Communications.
To accompany Ireland"s first solo exhibition in London, Ridinghouse published David Ireland: Sculptures, Paintings, Drawings. This catalogue features a selection of Ireland’s works from over four decades. An introduction to the work of this artist, this publication also includes an essay by Kenneth Baker, art critic of the San Francisco Chronicle.
In early 2016, the San Francisco Art Institute organized an exhibition of Ireland"s work, in conjunction with the public opening of 500 Capp Street.