Shifting in Silence - Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin - 2 November - 17 December 2023 - Natasha Conway, Paul Hallahan, Ciara Roche & Lee Welch

“Shifting in Silence" refers its title from artist and poet Etel Adnan's 2020 book 'Shifting the Silence' to bring together the distinct works of four artists who primarily work in paint. The artists approach painting in their own unique ways, resulting in a diverse exhibition that captures the essence of contemporary Irish painting.
 
The exhibition at Rathfarnham castle features Welch's figuration, Conway's abstract materiality, Hallahan's ephemeral abstractions, and Roche's explorations of the built environment. These contrasting artistic styles will offer a new look into what painting can do in today’s world, offering a visual conversation of contemporary Irish painting. The historic rooms of Rathfarnham castle add an extra layer of depth to the exhibition and the works.

Images courtesy of the artist and Paul Hallahan

nightcall - Royal Hibernian Academy, Dublin - 18 November - 18 Decmeber 2022

The paintings in nightcall begin in the evening then move to dusk, then to night. These are not comfortable paintings; rather they are uneasy domestic scenes, scenes from hotel bedrooms, public bathrooms, car parks, off-licences and chippers: places that could be anywhere or nowhere, places we pass through on our way somewhere else, somewhere better. 

Nightcall is a song by French musician and producer Kavinsky about a boy who has risen from the dead and invites the girl he loves to join him for a ride in his car so he can tell her how he feels. We are the invited girl, we sense the uneasiness, even the danger but we are drawn in by the seductively painted surfaces. We get a glimpse into a world that is recognisable, but remains out of reach, strange and uncanny.

Images courtesy of the artist and Kate Bowe O’Brien

of late… @mother’s tankstation, May - July 2021

 Images courtasey of the artist & mother’s tankstation

Selected two - person & group exhibitions