NEWS
OCTOBER 2025
THE ROYAL ULSTER ACADEMY 144TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION 2025
Delighted that my painting Broken Ground has been selected for the Royal Ulster Academy 144nd Annual Exhibition in Belfast which will open at the Ulster Museum on the 19th of October 2025. The painting is available to view or purchase here
Gary Kearney
Broken Ground
80x100cm
Acrylic on canvas
2025
AUGUST 2025
BALLINGLEN ARTS FOUNDATION AND MUSEUM OF ART SECOND BIENNIAL
My painting 'On the Inside' selected for the Ballinglen Arts Foundation and Museum of Art Second Biennial Open Exhibition at Ballycastle, Co. Mayo. Opening reception is Saturday August 30th from 4-6 pm. The exhibition runs until the 9th of January 2026. View exhibition catologue here.
October 2025
RUA RED - RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW
Really pleased to have two paintings selected for the Rua Red Annual Open Submission Exhibition.
Artists were invited to respond to the theme Right Here, Right Now and my paintings 'Poles Apart' and '33' were selected. The exhibition runs from the 3rd of October until the 15th of November 2025.
Rua Red, South Dublin Arts Centre, Parthalán Place, Tallaght, D24 KV8N
Artists were invited to respond to the theme Right Here, Right Now and my paintings 'Poles Apart' and '33' were selected. The exhibition runs from the 3rd of October until the 15th of November 2025.
Rua Red, South Dublin Arts Centre, Parthalán Place, Tallaght, D24 KV8N
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AUGUST 2025
KILKENNY ART GALLERY
Great to have been invited by Kilkenny Art Gallery to include some paintings in their exhibition for this years Kilkenny Arts Festival. Featuring a wide variety of wonderful artists. 'Gateway' ,'Sunlight' ,,'Red Chairs', 'Buoy' and 'View fron Above' were all apart of this wonderful exhibition. Opening reception is on Friday 8th August at 7pm. The exhibition runs until the 17th of August 2025.
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FEBRUARY 2025
THE 195tH ROYAL HIBERNIAN ACADEMY ANNUAL EXHIBITION 2025
Thrilled to have my painting 'From the Bridge' selected for the 195th RHA Annual Exhibition in Dublin which will open on Monday the 26th of May and run until the 3rd of August 2025. Over 4,600 works were entered, 685 were selected for the second round and 420 artworks have now been selected in the final round. Really honored to be selected this year and looking forward to seeing all the other artists work at Varnishing Day on Sunday the 25th of May. View online here
FEBRUARY 2025
THE LAVIT GALLERY ANNUAL MEMBERS EXHIBITION 2025
Great to have my paintings 'Blurred Lines' and 'Caution' selected for the Lavit Gallery Annual Members Exhibition 2025 in Cork City. Featuring a wide variety of wonderful artists. Opening reception is on Thursday 27th February at 5.30 and the exhibition runs until the 22nd of March 2025. The exhibition can also be viewed online to see more click here.
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FEBRUARY 2025
THE LAVIT GALLERY WORKS FROM STOCK EXHIBITION
Delighted to have my latest painting 'Boarding' included in the 'Works from Stock' exhibition at the Lavit Gallery in Cork City. The show features both new and existing stock from the gallery, included are some of Ireland's leading artists. Exhibition runs from January 30th until February 22nd.
View here
Opening reception and hospitality partnership launch Thursday 30 January, 5.30-7.30pm
Collecting Art talk and tour with Gallery Director Brian Mac Domhnaill, Saturday 08 February, 12pm.
View here
Opening reception and hospitality partnership launch Thursday 30 January, 5.30-7.30pm
Collecting Art talk and tour with Gallery Director Brian Mac Domhnaill, Saturday 08 February, 12pm.
OCTOBER 2024
THE ART RIDDLER EXHIBITION 2024
Trilled to have been selected for the third and Final Art Riddler Exhibition 2024. My painting 'Boarding' has been selected for this years show and I am delighted to have been apart of all three shows as it has been such a highlight each year. This years exhibition takes place at One Charlemont Square, Charlemont Street, Dublin 2 and runs from Saturday 26th of October until Sunday the 3rd of November.
SeptemBER 2024
THE LAVIT GALLERY WORKS FROM STOCK EXHIBITION
Really happy to have my latest painting 'High Time' chosen to be apart of this major show at the Lavit Gallery in Cork featuring some of Ireland's leading artists. The exhibition will feature prestige, mid-range and entry level pieces. Works From Stock will run from the 27th of September until the 17th of October.
OCTOBER 2024
Europe in the heart of ireland - europa gallery / hamilton gallery
Wonderful to have my painting 'In Light' selected to be apart of the exhibition 'Europe in the Heart of Ireland'
The Hamilton Gallery, in partnership with European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland selected 100 artists to showcase on Dublin's newest international stage The Europa Gallery, 11 Chatham Street, Dublin 2 running from 4th October- 22nd November 2024 and at the Hamilton Gallery, Sligo from 30th November to 25th January 2025.
The Hamilton Gallery, in partnership with European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland selected 100 artists to showcase on Dublin's newest international stage The Europa Gallery, 11 Chatham Street, Dublin 2 running from 4th October- 22nd November 2024 and at the Hamilton Gallery, Sligo from 30th November to 25th January 2025.
MAY 2024
THE 194TH ROYAL HIBERNIAN ACADEMY ANNUAL EXHIBITION 2024
Delighted to have my painting Below the Line selected for the 194th RHA Annual Exhibition in Dublin which will open on Monday the 20th of May and run until the 4th of August 2024. Really honored to be selected this year and looking forward to Varnishing day on Sunday the 19th of May. View online here
February 2024
THE LAVIT GALLERY ANNUAL MEMBERS EXHIBITION 2024
Trilled to have my painting 'On the Inside' included in the Lavit Gallery Annual Members Exhibition 2024 in Cork City featuring a wide variety of wonderful artists. Opening reception is on Thursday 22nd February at 5.30 and the exhibition runs until the 16th of March 2024. The exhibition can also be viewed online to see more click here.
DECEMBER 2023
RACHT 23 ~ EXHIBITION AND ONLINE AUCTION
Delighted to having my painting 'Going Underground ' selected to be part of RACHT 23. An exhibition and online auction opening on Friday 15th of December at 6:30pm at Herman's Auctioneers 10 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2. Exhibition and Timed Online auction will continue until Monday 17th of December. To view the lots click on the link here
NOVEMBER 2023
WINTER EXHIBITION AT THE LAVIT GALLERY 2023
Great to be invited to take part in this years Winter Exhibition at the Lavit Gallery in Cork City featuring a wide variety of fantastic artists. Paintings 'Double Vision ', 'Buoy', and 'From the Inside' are all featured in this wonderful show. Opening reception is on Thursday 30th November at 5.30 and the exhibition runs until the 20th of January 2024. The exhibition can also be viewed online to see more click here.
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NOVEMBER 2023
A COMMUNITY OF HOPE: ARTISTS FOR DUBLIN SIMON ART AUCTION 2023
Delighted to be participating in this years A Community of Hope: Artist's for Dublin Simon Art Auction 2023.
Over 150 artists, musicians, and public figures from across Ireland have contributed to this initiative aimed at bolstering the essential frontline services provided by Dublin Simon to combat homelessness. Auction takes place on Adam's website and bidding is now live, and begins to close at 2pm on Monday 4th of December. Link to bid here.
Exhibition takes place and includes my painting 'Taking Shape' at Gormleys Gallery, 27 South Frederick Street, D02 EP03 between 10am and 5pm.
Over 150 artists, musicians, and public figures from across Ireland have contributed to this initiative aimed at bolstering the essential frontline services provided by Dublin Simon to combat homelessness. Auction takes place on Adam's website and bidding is now live, and begins to close at 2pm on Monday 4th of December. Link to bid here.
Exhibition takes place and includes my painting 'Taking Shape' at Gormleys Gallery, 27 South Frederick Street, D02 EP03 between 10am and 5pm.
OCTOBER 2023
THE ART RIDDLER EXHIBITION 2023
Really pleased to have my painting "The Source" selected for this years Art Riddler Exhibition which will open on Friday the 6th of October and run until Sunday the 8th of October 2022. Honored to be selected again this year and looking forward to the opening on Friday the 6th of October. There will be 6 winners on the night with the overall winner being awarded 10,000 euro and each of the six artists will automatically qualify to have 3-4 works included in the Art Riddler 2024 exhibition. This is all being organised by and supported by an anonymous benefactor with 100 percent of sales going to the artist. See more about my painting here ,000 €10000
OCTOBER 2023
THE ROYAL ULSTER ACADEMY 142ND ANNUAL EXHIBITION 2023
Thrilled that my painting In Service has been selected for the Royal Ulster Academy 142nd Annual Exhibition in Belfast which will open at the Ulster Museum on the 13th of October. Honored to be selected for what promises to be a great show and looking forward to the artists launch on the 12th of October. The work is available to be viewed online here.
OCTOBER 2023
DEORAD 23 ~ EXHIBITION AND ONLINE AUCTION
Looking forward to having three paintings included in DEORAD 23 an exhibition and online auction opening on Friday 13th of October at 6:30pm at Herman's Auctioneers 10 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2. Exhibition and Timed Online auction will continue until Monday 16th of October. Paintings 'There Is Light ', 'The Lookout', and 'Different Levels' are all featured and up for auction. To view the the lots click on the link here
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JUNE 2023
SUMMER EXHIBITION AT THE LAVIT GALLERY
Great to be invited to take part in this years Summer Exhibition at the Lavit Gallery in Cork City featuring a wide variety of amazing artists. Paintings 'Through the Vats ', 'Across the Line', and 'Through the Frame' are all featured in this wonderful show. Opening reception is on Thursday 15th June at 5.30 and the exhibition runs until the 29th of July 2023. The exhibition can also be viewed online to see more click here.
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MAy 2023
THE ROYAL SCOTTISH ACADEMY 197TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION
Really pleased that my painting Yield has been selected for the Royal Scottish Academy 179th Annual Exhibition in Edinburgh which will open on the 6th of May and run until the 11th of June 2023. The exhibition can also be viewed online to see my painting click here.
MARCH 2023
JACKSON'S PAINTING PRIZE 2023
Delighted to have my painting 'Through the Vats' selected on the Longlist for the Jackson's Painting Prize 2023.
This years competition saw a record 11,225 entries, 452 of which have been longlisted. The Shortlist is announced on the 30th of March 2023.
Public voting is also open for the Peoples Choice Award.
To vote for my painting click here.
This years competition saw a record 11,225 entries, 452 of which have been longlisted. The Shortlist is announced on the 30th of March 2023.
Public voting is also open for the Peoples Choice Award.
To vote for my painting click here.
MARCH 2023
SCOOP'S OUTSIDE THE BOX ART AUCTION 2023
Delighted to be participating in this years SCOOP's Outside the Box Art Auction 2023.
Funds raised from Outside The Box will support the development and delivery of SCOOP’s specialised programmes that empower displaced and marginalised young people to fulfil their potential in Ireland and abroad, these include SCOOP Art, SCOOP Ed, SCOOP Kitchen, SCOOP Recruit and SCOOP’s emergency relief services.
Funds raised from Outside The Box will support the development and delivery of SCOOP’s specialised programmes that empower displaced and marginalised young people to fulfil their potential in Ireland and abroad, these include SCOOP Art, SCOOP Ed, SCOOP Kitchen, SCOOP Recruit and SCOOP’s emergency relief services.
TO BID ON 'THE SIGN' PAINTING CLICK HERE
OCTOBER 2022
THE ROYAL WEST OF ENGLAND ACADEMY 169TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION
Pleased to announce that my painting There is Light has been selected for the Royal West of England Academy 169th Annual Open Exhibition in Bristol which will open on the 8th of October 2022 and run until the 8th of January 2022. The exhibition can also be viewed online to see my painting click here.
There is Light was also Longlisted for the Jackson Painting Prize earlier this year.
There is Light was also Longlisted for the Jackson Painting Prize earlier this year.
OCTOBER 2022
THE ART RIDDLER EXHIBITION
Really pleased to have my painting You are Here selected for the Art Riddler Exhibition which will open on Friday the 7th of October and run until the 10th of October 2022. Honored to be selected and looking forward to the opening on Friday the 7th of October.
APRIL 2022
SCOOP ART AUCTION 2022
Delighted to be participating in this years SCOOP Art Auction 2022. A great cause raising funds to support refugees both home and abroad. I will have three paintings for auction in total.
One painting in the Live Auction on Sunday 24th of April and two paintings in the Live Virtual Auction on Thursday 28th of April.
One painting in the Live Auction on Sunday 24th of April and two paintings in the Live Virtual Auction on Thursday 28th of April.
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APRIL 2022
THE 192ND RHA ANNUAL EXHIBITION
Delighted to have my painting Through the Vats selected for the 192nd RHA Annual Exhibition which will open on Monday the 23rd of May and run until the 24th of July 2022. Really honored to be selected for the second year in a row and looking forward to Varnishing day on Sunday the 22nd of May.
MARCH 2022
THE CHIMERA GALLERY - NEW WORK
A selection of new paintings are currently on show at the The Chimera Gallery. Paintings 'Another Level ', 'Through the Facade', 'In Service' and 'Where Next' are just some of the works included and I'm delighted to be alongside some of the other amazing gallery artists of The Chimera Gallery.
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MARCH 2022
JACKSON'S PAINTING PRIZE 2022
Really pleased to have had my painting There Is Light has been Longlisted for the Jackson's Painting Prize 2022. This was my first time entering and was one of 400 selected from almost 9000 entries.
SEPTEMBER 2021
THE 191ST RHA ANNUAL EXHIBITION
Trilled to announce that my painting Into the Distance has been selected for the 191st RHA Annual Exhibition which will open on the 27th of September and run until the 30th of October 2021.
Gary Kearney Into the Distance 100x76cm
OCTOBER 2020
BATH SOCIETY OF ARTISTS 115TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION 2020
Trilled to announce that my painting On Guard has been selected for the 115th Bath Society of Artists Annual Exhibition which will run in conjunction with the Victoria Art Gallery, Bath from Monday 2nd of November until the 3rd of January 2021.
On Guard
OCTOBER 2020
THE CHIMERA GALLERY - NEW WORK
A selection of my most recent paintings are currently on show at the The Chimera Gallery. 'Across the Line ', 'Through the Vats', 'Birds Eye View', 'There is Light', 'The Lookout' 'From the Inside', and 'No Access' are just some of the works included and I'm delighted to be alongside some of the other amazing gallery artists of The Chimera Gallery.
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Gary Kearney
Across the Line
Acrylic on canvas
50x60cm
Gary Kearney
Birds Eye View
Acrylic on canvas
100x76cm
Gary Kearney
The Lookout
Acrylic on canvas
50x60cm
Gary Kearney
No Access
Acrylic on canvas
50x60cm
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Gary Kearney
Through the Vats
Acrylic on canvas
100x100cm
Gary Kearney
There is Light
Acrylic on canvas
60x50cm
Gary Kearney
From the Inside
Acrylic on canvas
76x100cm
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june 2020
interview with cork evening echo
Recently done an interview with Colette Sheridan from the Evening Echo about my work, style of painting, influences and lots more and was delighted with the feature and had a great reaction to it. The interview is also available online at Echo Live hope you enjoy.
SEPTEMBER 2019
THE ROYAL WEST OF ENGLAND ACADEMY 167TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION
Pleased to announce that two of my paintings have been selected for the Royal West of England Academy 167th Annual Open Exhibition in Bristol which will open on the 29th of September 2019 and run until the 1st of December 2019.
33 Acrylic on canvas 50x60cm
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Caution Acrylic on canvas 50x60cm
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OCTOBER 2019
THE 138TH RUA ANNUAL EXHIBITION
Delighted to announce that my painting Tagged has been selected for the 138th RUA Annual Exhibition which will open on the 18th of October 2019 and run until the 5th of January 2020 at the Ulster Museum.
Tagged Acrylic on canvas 50x60cm
MARCH 2019
THE CHIMERA GALLERY - NEW WORK
A selection of my most recent paintings are currently on show at the The Chimera Gallery . Paintings 'Looking Back', 'Through the Frame', 'Yield' and 'WIP' are just some of the works included and I'm delighted to share the walls with some of the other amazing gallery artists of The Chimera Gallery.
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DECEMBER 2018
WINTER SALON - BACKWATER ARTISTS GROUP
I will have three small paintings included in the Backwater Artists Group fundraising exhibition which will take place at Studio 12, 1st Floor, Backwater Artist Group, Wandesford Quay, Cork. Opening Thursday 13th December at 6pm and running until Friday 21st December.
Winter Salon is not only a unique fundraising event, it is also a rare opportunity for you to own works of art from new and well established artists for between €50-€150, a great way to start your own art collection and it will also be a fun night out.
Winter Salon is not only a unique fundraising event, it is also a rare opportunity for you to own works of art from new and well established artists for between €50-€150, a great way to start your own art collection and it will also be a fun night out.
Going Up Acrylic on paper 24x21cm 2018
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Block A Acrylic on paper 24x21cm 2018
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Reflection 1 Acrylic on paper 23x25cm 2018
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AUGUST 2018
THE CHIMERA GALLERY - SUMMER EXHIBITION
Pleased to announce that a selection of my paintings are currently featured in the The Chimera Gallery Summer Exhibition 2018 exhibition which will continue throughout August 2018. Paintings '33', 'Tagged', 'Blurred Lines' and 'Another Vision' are just some of the work included and I'm delighted to share the walls with some of the other amazing gallery artists of The Chimera Gallery.
33 50x60cm Acrylic on canvas
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Tagged 50x60cm Acrylic on camvas
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Blurred Lines 60x50cm Acrylic on canvas
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Another Vision 60x50cm Acrylic on canvas
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June 2018
THE MODEL PRESENTS CAIRDE VISUAL 2018
Delighted to announce that two of my paintings have been selected for the The Model Presents Cairde Visual 2018 exhibition which will open on the 11th of July at 6pm and run until the 19th of August 2018. Both 'Fuel' and 'Caution' were selected for inclusion in this years show which is Cairde Sligo Arts Festival's fifth annual open submission show.
Fuel Acrylic on canvas 50x60cm
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Caution Acrylic on canvas 50x60cm
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MAY 2018
THE 188th RHA Annual Exhibition
Pleased to announce that my painting Open Windows has been selected for the 188th RHA Annual Exhibition which will open on the 21st of May and run until the 11 of August 2018.
FEBRUARY 2017
VIDEOS - CULTUREFOX - INTERVIEW
Culturefox.ie joined us for Asylum Archive & Ray of Light Opening Night to talk to Gary Kearney Art about his current solo exhibition 'Ray of Light'- check out his introduction to this series of cityscapes which are now on view in our Front of House exhibition space until April 8th.
FEBRUARY 2017
Ray Of Light
Thur 9th Feb – Sat 8th April 2017, 7pm
Garter Lane Arts Centre is delighted to present Ray of Light, an exhibition of cityscapes by Gary Kearney. Kearney’s work examines aspects of the city and urban dwelling- its architecture and how the city space is shaped as vast amounts of information are processed and infinitely altered through our obsession with construction and progression. His work presents a stark vision of the urban environment and of modern society, where humans are absent and yet traces of their presence and impact are felt throughout his work.
Born in Tipperary and based in Cork City, Kearney graduated from the Crawford College of Art & Design in 2005. His work reflects his interest in architecture, perspective and natural lighting and explores how these impact our connection to the urban environment. His work has been exhibited throughout Ireland, including a recent solo show at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Co. Mayo and group shows in the Wandesford Quay Gallery in Cork and the Source Arts Centre in Co. Tipperary. His work is represented in public collections such as the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery and the Office of Public Works.
Ray of Light opens in Garter Lane Arts Centre Front of House Exhibition space, Waterford, on Thursday February 9th 2017 at 7pm. Exhibition continues until Saturday April 8th 2017. Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11am- 5.30pm and during evening performances. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Exhibition tours programme for primary, post primary and third level students are available. Bookings: [email protected]
Admission Free
garykearneyart.com
www.garterlane.ie
Garter Lane Arts Centre, O’Connell Street, Waterford
Thur 9th Feb – Sat 8th April 2017, 7pm
Garter Lane Arts Centre is delighted to present Ray of Light, an exhibition of cityscapes by Gary Kearney. Kearney’s work examines aspects of the city and urban dwelling- its architecture and how the city space is shaped as vast amounts of information are processed and infinitely altered through our obsession with construction and progression. His work presents a stark vision of the urban environment and of modern society, where humans are absent and yet traces of their presence and impact are felt throughout his work.
Born in Tipperary and based in Cork City, Kearney graduated from the Crawford College of Art & Design in 2005. His work reflects his interest in architecture, perspective and natural lighting and explores how these impact our connection to the urban environment. His work has been exhibited throughout Ireland, including a recent solo show at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Co. Mayo and group shows in the Wandesford Quay Gallery in Cork and the Source Arts Centre in Co. Tipperary. His work is represented in public collections such as the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery and the Office of Public Works.
Ray of Light opens in Garter Lane Arts Centre Front of House Exhibition space, Waterford, on Thursday February 9th 2017 at 7pm. Exhibition continues until Saturday April 8th 2017. Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11am- 5.30pm and during evening performances. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Exhibition tours programme for primary, post primary and third level students are available. Bookings: [email protected]
Admission Free
garykearneyart.com
www.garterlane.ie
Garter Lane Arts Centre, O’Connell Street, Waterford
March 2016
Two of the paintings I have included in the Backwater DRAW 2016 fundraising Exhibition. Tickets for the event can be bought for €50 at www.backwaterartists.ie. Everyone who buys a ticket will receive a piece of art.
September 2014
Signal Arts Centre
presents
'The Light of Day'
Exhibition by Gary Kearney
Opening reception Thursday 18th September 7- 9pm.
Tuesday 16th September - Sunday 28th September
presents
'The Light of Day'
Exhibition by Gary Kearney
Opening reception Thursday 18th September 7- 9pm.
Tuesday 16th September - Sunday 28th September
Gary Kearney's work reflects his interest in architecture, perspective and natural lighting and explores how these change our emotional connection to our city. “The city appeals to me because it contains vast amounts of information infinitly being altered through the effects of weather conditions and man’s constant obsession with construction and progression. The environment changes our emotions towards the way we look at certain aspects of our lives and surroundings. I try to capture these emotions and encase them within my paintings.” Born in Tipperary and based in Cork, Gary graduated from the Crawford College of Art & Design in 2005. His work has been exhibited throughout Ireland including most recently a solo show at the Sirius Arts Centre in Cork and group shows in the Wandesford Quay Gallery in Cork and the Source Arts Centre in Tipperary. Gary is a member of Backwater Artists Group in Cork.
Adm. free
Official opening Thursday 18th September 7-9pm.
All welcome.
garykearneyart.com signalartscentre.ie
Adm. free
Official opening Thursday 18th September 7-9pm.
All welcome.
garykearneyart.com signalartscentre.ie
January 2014
LINENHALL ARTS CENTRE - GARY KEARNEY
THROUGH LIGHT
GARY KEARNEY VISUAL ART: GALLERY
Friday 17th January - Saturday 15th February
THROUGH LIGHT
GARY KEARNEY VISUAL ART: GALLERY
Friday 17th January - Saturday 15th February
Gary Kearney's work reflects his interest in architecture, perspective and natural lighting and explores how these change our emotional connection to our city. “The city appeals to me because it contains vast amounts of information infinitly being altered through the effects of weather conditions and man’s constant obsession with construction and progression. The environment changes our emotions towards the way we look at certain aspects of our lives and surroundings. I try to capture these emotions and encase them within my paintings.” Born in Tipperary and based in Cork, Gary graduated from the Crawford College of Art & Design in 2005. His work has been exhibited throughout Ireland including most recently a solo show at the Sirius Arts Centre in Cork and group shows in the Wandesford Quay Gallery in Cork and the Source Arts Centre in Tipperary. Gary is a member of Backwater Artists Group in Cork.
Adm. free
Official opening on Friday 17th January at 7.30pm. All welcome.
Adm. free
Official opening on Friday 17th January at 7.30pm. All welcome.
KEN ARMSTRONG WRITING STUFF...
From the Eye to the Brain (and the Words in Between)
(I was asked to open an Exhibition of the work of artist Gary Kearney on Friday evening in The Linenhall Arts Centre here in Castlebar. This is a rough transcript of what I mumbled on about.
The exhibition runs until 15th February 2014 and is well worth a visit.)
I am delighted to be allowed to open this wonderful exhibition of paintings by Gary Kearney. Mostly because I like the work so very much.
When I was asked to open the exhibition, I immediately asked myself that key question. What qualifies me? By what right can I come here and speak words about this Art? I had my answer really quickly. I’m not qualified. I have no right to speak, no right at all. Having figured that out, I came to another conclusion. I’m not qualified but that’s fine because neither is anyone else.
To my mind, Visual Art is just that. It’s exactly what it says on the tin. Visual Art. It hits us in our eyes. It ‘assails’ us via our retinas, and travels from there deep down into the visual cortex of our brains. There are absolutely no words in the equation. Art – Eye – Brain. There’s no words.
Personally, I think the use of words to capture the essence of visual art is like trying to convey the touch of a rose petal on your cheek via the medium of professional mud wrestling.
But it’s a thing we do. It’s a thing we all do.
We go and see an exhibition with a mate and we talk about what we see, we analyse it, we give our own humble opinions on it. It’s a good thing to do, I think. So long as we realise it’s not the only thing. It’s not even the main event. The main event is the Art. You, your eye and your brain and what happens between one end of that equation and the other.
I’m not trying to be pedantic. I love talking about visual art as much as the next person but I find talking about it, sometimes, makes me feel inadequate… insufficient. I get to feel that I don’t have the words, I just don’t have the vocabulary to do justice to what I am seeing. So it can turn into a bit of a negative thing for me, if I don’t watch out. But, so long as I do watch out, then I think I’ll be okay. So, with that heftyest of disclaimers, here’s what I think of Gary’s work… in words.
I think it’s wonderful. I think Gary rewards us for stepping in really close to his work, where we actually see the building blocks of his Art, as well as all the little details that you just can’t see from far away and then, when you move back, the ‘coming together’ of the work into a thing of enormous depth and clarity. It’s almost like Gary was gifted with really long arms and that he painted his pictures from out here somewhere. I predict that people will be stepping in and out the gallery all month, like a dance.
I work in the business of Architecture so I suppose I've looked at the built environment more that most people have. I think we sometimes forget that there is beauty there, in the Built Environment. We’re almost preconditioned to believe that our hearts can only be raised by a vista of some naturally formed landscape or, if that’s not available, of some ancient building made venerable by virtue of its great old age. But it ain’t necessarily so. There is beauty in the urban world. And even if you don’t agree with me on the word ‘Beauty’, there is undoubtedly form and structure and content and colour and texture and lots of other great things, particularly if you look up.
Our old Art Teacher up in Sligo, he used to say, "Look up, Armstrong, you Low-Type, look Up."
He was right. There’s such great revelations to be had in our towns and cities, if we only look up. It’s the different view, you see. We tend to trudge back and forth between the Banklink Machine and the Butcher’s shop and we don’t always see what is around us.
That’s what Gary is doing, for me anyway. He’s seeing for me. He’s reminding me of the world on our doorsteps, the one we ignore the most. And the shapes he captures are lovely, the colours, the shadows, the reflections. And we recognise the subject, we know it, but many of us haven’t really seen it, not really.
As I was saying, these are my words and they are well meant but they don’t mean very much. What means something is what happens when you look at the Art. I’ll talk about it, of course, happily, but I’ll also to take at least one moment without feeling the need to put words on what it makes me feel. I’ll just… see.
And I think there is sometimes a clue available to tell you if you are successfully bypassing the words and getting right down to the truth of the visual art you are looking at. And that clue is called Memory. I think sometimes, when you’re looking at pictures, memories turn up out of nowhere and I think they are our raw emotions… kinda dressed up in a posh frock.
I was looking at these paintings earlier today, thinking about what the hell I might say, and a little memory came to me. Something I hadn’t thought of in over thirty five years. It doesn’t make much sense but I’ll share it with you very briefly.
When I was in primary school, in St John’s in Sligo, and I was only small, we used to get brought down to the Cathedral for Mass. This was pretty grand for me because I was used to St Anne’s church which was - and still is - a much simpler establishment. Anyway at these masses, crammed into the pew, I used to be bored senseless…
Until one day, I looked up. The arches of the roof over Sligo Cathedral sit on these Granite pedestals high above the ground and I suddenly realised that these pedestals looked exactly like giant robot heads. It was uncanny. There was a row of them up this side and a row of them up the other side and, in my head, these robot pedestals would do battle with each other by firing laser beams at each other from out of their solid granite eyes across the span of the church. One side had green lasers and the other side had red lasers… and this was way before Star Wars came along. It’s a silly memory but I was reminded of it by my time with the art on these walls. What it actually means, what my subconscious might have been trying to tell me, well, I suppose that’s for me to work out.
I am proud to open Gary’s exhibition. I work pretty much next door and I often come in here to hide when things get rough. Just like John Major allegedly used to do in the toilet. For the next month or so, I know that my hiding will be informed and coloured and challenged by Gary’s fabulous paintings and I look forward to spending quite a bit of time hiding in here with his work.
I wish Gary’s Art a wonderful time at the Linenhall. It is in the safe hands of the very best of people here. And so, with much pleasure, I declare his exhibition open.
Posted by Ken Armstrong at 11:57 Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest
june 2013
Talking DAYLIGHT ON KCLR96FM with Niamh Moroney by The Arts Show
on June 19, 2013
Niamh Moroney is the current curator of the Upstairs Gallery at Kilkenny’s Watergate Theatre. Daylight, is the latest exhibition at the gallery, opening this week and running until mid July, featuring the work of Tipperary native Gary Kearney.
Take a listen to the conversation with Niamh on this week’s Arts Show to find out more about Gary’s work, along with the Kilkenny Town Arts Social, taking place Wednesday 19 June.
Take a listen to the conversation with Niamh on this week’s Arts Show to find out more about Gary’s work, along with the Kilkenny Town Arts Social, taking place Wednesday 19 June.
april 2013
december 2013
"DUPLEX"
ROBIN DALY - GARY KEARNEY
South Tipperary Arts Centre
15th November - 27th December
All are cordially invited to the opening of our new exhibition " Duplex" by Gary Kearney and Robin Daly.
Hope to see you all on Friday, 15th November at 7pm sharp, here in the South Tipperary Arts Centre.
ROBIN DALY - GARY KEARNEY
South Tipperary Arts Centre
15th November - 27th December
All are cordially invited to the opening of our new exhibition " Duplex" by Gary Kearney and Robin Daly.
Hope to see you all on Friday, 15th November at 7pm sharp, here in the South Tipperary Arts Centre.
july 2012
september 2011
SIRIUS ARTS CENTRE
Cobh, County Cork
Presents
In the West Gallery
REFLECTIONS
An exhibition of paintings by
Gary Kearney
Poles Apart by Gary Kearney acrylic on canvas 2010
Opening Thursday 15th September at 7pm - all welcome
**Artists Talk Culture Night Friday 23rd September at 8.00pm**
Exhibition runs until October 9th
Gary Kearney gathers a large body of photographic images comprised of architecture, perspective and natural lighting as source material for his paintings. Kearney's starkly modernist style is intriguing in that it offers a perspective of Cork City, which is at once banal and poetic.
'Through my work I am attempting to portray various aspects of the city.'
As part of the Sirius Arts Centres policy to support emerging artists Gary Kearney, who is based at the Backwater Artists Studios in Cork will exhibit a series of cityscape paintings. Gary will also give a talk on his work on CULTURE NIGHT 23 September at 8:00pm - Admission FREE
Gallery hours: Wednesday - Friday 11am - 5pm / Saturday & Sunday 2pm - 5pm / Monday and Tuesday closed / extra opening Culture Night Friday 23rd of September 6-10pm
For more information: www.siriusartscentre.ie Email : [email protected] Telephone (021) 481 3790
Opening Thursday 15th September at 7pm - all welcome
**Artists Talk Culture Night Friday 23rd September at 8.00pm**
Exhibition runs until October 9th
Gary Kearney gathers a large body of photographic images comprised of architecture, perspective and natural lighting as source material for his paintings. Kearney's starkly modernist style is intriguing in that it offers a perspective of Cork City, which is at once banal and poetic.
'Through my work I am attempting to portray various aspects of the city.'
As part of the Sirius Arts Centres policy to support emerging artists Gary Kearney, who is based at the Backwater Artists Studios in Cork will exhibit a series of cityscape paintings. Gary will also give a talk on his work on CULTURE NIGHT 23 September at 8:00pm - Admission FREE
Gallery hours: Wednesday - Friday 11am - 5pm / Saturday & Sunday 2pm - 5pm / Monday and Tuesday closed / extra opening Culture Night Friday 23rd of September 6-10pm
For more information: www.siriusartscentre.ie Email : [email protected] Telephone (021) 481 3790
Backwater Twenty – 10 Publication
The Backwater Twenty-10 publication can be viewed/purchased at blurb.com This publication brings together the work of over 120 artists who have passed through Backwater Studios over its 20-year history. It is by no means a complete compendium, but rather a snapshot of the breathtaking diversity and depth of creativity from within the Backwater Artists’ Group and the visual arts in Cork city. It serves as a testament to how an artist-led group within the city has been able to support a myriad of artistic endeavours, working towards personal and shared goals over the years. The publication is a celebration of the creative journey of all members of the Backwater Artists’ Group – past and present. november 2011 |
GARY KEARNEY
Untitled
Acrylic on canvas
2010
Featured in Backwater Twenty – 10 Publication
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PASSERBY one of the two paintings featured in PLACE SPACE IN 2011.
GOING UNDERGROUND one of the two paintings featured in PLACE SPACE IN 2011.
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september 2010
