(source - Wexford Chamber)
I blogged last week about my fave exhibitions between the Bullring and Selskar, check it out here.
This blog I'm going to trace my walk between the Talbot Hotel and Rowe Street but first I want to cover an amazing exhibition in the County Hall. (That's the big glass box in Carricklawn pass the hospital).
(photo source Wexford County Council Photographers)
This is by any measurement the most stunning exhibition this year. War Changes Its Address: The Aleppo Paintings' is an exhibition that will run in Wexford County Council buildings from 29th October – 3rd December 2018. The exhibition features work by artist Brian Maguire, bringing together a selection of recent works resulting from a visit to Syria in 2017. This exhibition grew from Maguire’s own experience of the aftermath in Aleppo and developed in response to the refugee crises which has arisen because of this conflict.
The scale of the work is amazing and couldn't have been showcased in a better venue, the grey quarry like appearance of the civic space is the perfect canvas for such an exhibition. The paintings are vast, meters wide and high in some cases and cannot be done justice with photos, you really have to see them for yourself. The destruction of Syria can be felt by the fact one can walk straight into the work. Simply put, an amazing exhibition that everyone should see.
You can read more about the artist Brian Maguire and more on this exhibition here.
This exhibition gets a 10 out of 10 planets.
Walkabout Map 2 (original source Wexford Fringe)
Starting at the Talbot Hotel (green circle on map), there is a huge amount on offer but most, in my opinion whilst very good, fine art, was a bit traditional and boring. A lot of artists have been exhibiting in the Talbot for years and most of the work has a "same-ie" kind of feel. The one exception was some striking work by Tony Oakey. It'd hard to decribe his work, but I like what I saw. (From his own website ...)
"My "style" has sometimes been described as surreal but I'm not mad enough to be considered a surrealist. Slightly mad and a bit "different", maybe"
I think that sums it up, I didn't get a chance to speak with the artist but hope to over the next few days. With framed prints there's something to suit everyone's pocket, here are some of my faves:
The second place I visited was the Friends Meeting Hall (blue circle on map) in Patrick's Square to check out Wexford Camera Club's exhibition. My dad and I are former members so like to keep an eye on what they have been doing. You can find more information about them on their website and facebook. There is a lovely variety of work covering themes of people, landscapes, flora, fauna and abstract so again something to suit everyones tastes. They have a fantastic raffle where you can win a choice of prints. Check it out!
To choose one photographer to showcase is difficult, depending on your personal taste but for me Vladimir Morozov continues to create amazing work, what he does with a camera clearly transcends just simple taking a photo, he is creating true pieces of art work. You can find him on the WWW or Facebook. BTW, he is also a lovely guy and very generous with his time and knowledge. His most recent series of landscapes are ridic!
(source)
And the dude is even photogenic himself ...
And finally, last but certainly not least is the Denis Collins - Padraig Grant Gallery at the bottom of Rowe Street (opposite Cappachinos, red circle on map).
Again, there is a wide variety of work and different price points so something to suit everyones tastes and pocket. Padraig has on display a great collection of his work over many years, some showing his wide travels around the World and also some of his favourite works from around Wexford.
(source - Padraig Grant's Facebook page linked above)
There is an eclectic mix of art on the other side of the gallery, here are some of my choices:
Fascinating felt work by Mairead Ryan (no relation). I especially loved Denis' explanation of how the work is created.
The abstract landscapes by Eoin Cassidy are striking and I wouldn't mind having one on my wall ...
And a beautiful collection of Carmel Fenlon's work.
And finally, a photo of Denis "Outstanding in his field" (aka window)
And thats me done. The best of both walkabouts is the exhibition in Wexford County Council but I have to say again; we are so lucky to be immersed in art and craft all year around in Wexford, I'd urge you all to get out, find something you like, speak to the artists and if you have a few spare yoyos support a local artist.
Please share my blog and comment as to what you've liked this year.
Toodles
John The Captain Ryan.
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