News – Page 22 – Catherine Hammond Fine Arts

John Kingerlee: What Lies Beneath

A large exhibition of more than 30 works by the West Cork master, John Kingerlee, opened July 7th and ran through July 26th, 2006. This was a rare opportunity to see a body of important work near where it was made. Kingerlee lives on the Beara penninsula, and its atmosphere of ever-changing weather and craggy terrain suffuse his work. His vigourous use of paint is luminous and sculptural, whether in landscapes, head studies, or more abstract grid paintings.

In the past few years, John Kingerlee’s profile has grown exponentially as his work has been recognized in Ireland, the United States and Europe. He is only the second living Irish artist, after Sean Scully, to have work accepted for Sothebys New York’s International Contemporary Art auction. This coming autumn, his work will feature in a solo show at the Duneiden Museum in Florida. Here in Ireland and in London, his paintings have made record-setting prices at auction and he has become one of Ireland’s most in-demand artists.

While the exhibition sold out, there is are a few new choice paintings available in the gallery.

Colin O’Daly: New Paintings

The exhibition of new paintings by this important mid-career artist ran through July 5th. O’Daly’s paintings are quiet and reflective, abstract yet representative of landscapes and interiors.

Colin O’Daly was born in 1952 in Dublin, and though he has travelled extensively and studied painting in Italy, Germany and France, it is in his hometown where has chosen to live and paint. While largely self-taught, O’Daly has undertaken periods of part-time study in painting at Ireland’s National College of Art and Design and at the European Academy of Art in Germany. His work is included in a number of important private and corporate collections around the world. He is also represented by Hillsboro Fine Art in Dublin.

Frances Ryan Exhibition

Waters of the Glen, a series of more than 30 new paintings by Frances Ryan, ran from May 26 to June 14. The opening reception on Saturday, May 27 featured Claire Heardman, Conservation Ranger, Glengarriff Nature Reserve.

In October 2005, Frances Ryan spent several weeks in the rugged valley that gives its name to Glengarriff. She walked the hills and forests extensively, usually following the streams and rivers, sketching and taking notes as she went. The paintings in this show were a result of her sensitive response to the sometimes hidden features of this special area.

Ryan lives in Co. Down. She is a graduate of Dun Laoghaire College of Art and Design and has recently enjoyed successful shows at the Mullan Gallery, Belfast and the Customs House Gallery, Westport.