Limerick artists launch exhibition to celebrate healing and connections
The exhibition by Limerick artists runs in The Red Door gallery in Newcastle West from September 18 until October 3
TWO Limerick artists will host a joint art exhibition in Newcastle West, launching on Culture Night, tonight, Friday, September 18.
Visual artist Carol O’Brien Ahern and ceramic artist Lisa O’Riordan Mackessy will present Suaimhneach at The Red Door gallery.
It will be launched on Friday, September 18 between 7.30pm and 9.30pm with an opportunity to meet the artists.
The exhibition focuses on works that represent peace, calm and tranquility. It brings together painting and ceramics, colour and clay, texture and form, allowing each artist’s individual practice to sit alongside and complement the other.Carol said: “There is something very special about bringing painting and ceramics together. Our work is different, but the reasons we create have so much in common.”
Lisa added: “We wanted Suaimhneach to be somewhere people could come in, slow down, enjoy the work and perhaps leave feeling inspired themselves.”Carol takes a lot of inspiration from her family home at the foot of Knockfierna and Lisa believes that pottery is both a creative and mindful practice.
Both artists believe that creativity has a place in everyone’s lives.
Carol has always had a passion for art, but it was reignited while she rehabilitated from a spinal cord injury ten years ago.
Painting became an important part of her recovery, providing a positive focus and an opportunity to reconnect with a part of herself beyond the challenges of injury and rehabilitation.
“Art became much more than painting a picture for me. During rehabilitation it gave me something positive to focus on and a space where I could completely switch off. That experience showed me just how powerful creativity can be for our wellbeing, particularly during difficult times.”
For ceramic artist Lisa O’Riordan Mackessy, she creates fluid, free-flowing vessels and forms that embrace both thoughtful design and spontaneity.
Her work is tactile and expressive, exploring contrasts that are fluid yet grounded, smooth yet textured, light and dark.
Suaimhneach runs until Saturday, October 3, with the gallery open Thursday - Saturday from 12pm - 4pm – admission is free.