The great and the good of the art world came to the opening of Kilkenny artist Eoghan O’ Driscoll’s 3rd Dublin solo exhibition, held recently in Dublin.
Eoghan explained that the exhibition ‘Aghaidh’, curated by Tony Strickland comprises a year’s work in the studio, almost like a diary of his visual journey.
O’Driscoll is a poet and artist and his work in both mediums deserves huge praise. Added to this, his collection of five books of poetry bears testament to the fact that his pen fits snugly in his hand.
However, the written word has taken a back seat for the moment as O’Driscoll concentrates on the brush and canvas. Anyone who attended his recent Arts Festival exhibition in Langton’s Hotel will have noticed a distinct change in his style. Perhaps there is a more positive or more upbeat attitude to his work. Of course this observation is pure speculation.
What is not speculation however is that Eoghan’s work is attracting more and more fans, and the large turnout at the Dublin event bears testament to that.
The exhibition was opened by renowned artist Brian Gormley who commented that this was Eoghan’s most exciting and diverse exhibition to date.
Gormley, himself a gifted artist and an internationally exhibited American painter, went on to say that Eoghan’s work shows courage, moving, as it does, in a new direction with a new take on the urban environment.
Reflecting on the artist’s work, Gormley spoke of Eoghan as being a true, honest and genuine artist.
He described Eoghan as a poet in the service of paint.
(With thanks to Cathal McFarlane for photos)
