Vivienne Roche facts for kids

Vivienne Roche is a famous Irish sculptor and art critic. She was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1953. She is known for creating amazing sculptures that can be seen in many places.

About Vivienne Roche

Vivienne Roche grew up in Cork. Her father was an engineer. She went to school in Cork before studying art. From 1970 to 1974, she studied at the Crawford School of Art in Cork. After that, she went to the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, USA, and finished her studies in 1975.

In 2006, University College Cork gave her a special award called an honorary doctorate. This award recognized her important contributions to art.

Becoming a Sculptor

Vivienne Roche started her career as an artist. Soon, she became very interested in sculpture. She is now considered one of Ireland's most important sculptors. Sculptors are artists who create three-dimensional artworks, often by carving, molding, or joining materials.

Vivienne Roche's sculpture Liberty Bell (1998) in St. Patrick's Park in Dublin.

Vivienne Roche helped start the National Sculpture Factory in Cork. This is a special place where sculptors can work and create art. She was the leader of the factory from 1989 to 1997.

She also served on the national Arts Council from 1993 to 1998. The Arts Council helps support and develop art in Ireland. She was also part of the governing body for Cork Institute of Technology, which is a college in Cork.

Vivienne Roche's Memberships and Influence

Vivienne Roche is a member of several important art groups in Ireland.

• Aosdána: This is a special group that honors Irish artists who have made outstanding contributions to the arts.
• Royal Hibernian Academy: This is a group of artists in Ireland that promotes art and education.

She is also on the board of the Hugh Lane Gallery and the Dublin City Gallery. These are art museums in Dublin. Vivienne Roche continues to help shape how art and culture are supported in Ireland.

Vivienne Roche's sculpture NC Iris (2006) outside the National College of Ireland in Mayor Square, Dublin.

Exhibitions and Recognition

Vivienne Roche's sculptures have been shown in many countries. She has had exhibitions in France, Finland, Sweden, England, and the United States. Her artwork is recognized internationally.

Sometimes, the President of Ireland has given Vivienne Roche's sculptures as gifts to leaders of other countries. This shows how highly her work is valued. Today, Vivienne Roche lives in County Cork, Ireland, and continues her artistic work.