3 man in a pea green boat
“3 man in a pea green boat”
Few days ago I received an invitation for the exhibition opening in Damer House Gallery, contemporary art gallery based in Roscrea, co. Tipperary, Ireland.
I have a strong faith in destiny and “things happened for a reason” motto, so without thinking twice I hop in to the car, threw my family at the back, and there we were in a beautiful sunny afternoon on the way beyond the edge of the horizon or simply to Roscrea. It is an hour and a half journey from Dublin.
Damer House is a place significant , almost lost in 50’s, but than brought back by Michael , who is a sort of patron of this property, working to create the atmosphere of XVIII century country house. House and the castle is owned by Roscrea Irish State.
House caring a baggage of almost 300 years of English – Irish history, build (1722) inside of the 13th century castle. Build in a Queen Anne style in 1798 become British military barracks. Later in 1902 was a boys school, sanatorium, school again and than left to fall in to ruin, scheduled for demolition.
Luckily saved and restored by the Irish Georgian Society. Castle it self was build in 13th century, owned by Butlers family for the centuries finally bought by John Damer . Irish Georgian Society handed the place to the Irish State, secure this way the future of the building.
The Damer House Gallery is in the right wing of the house, taking 2 floors of her owner. Great situated house is full of Sunshine, creating magnificent reflections of light through the unusually tall windows. Great light and peaceful Irish country life creating haven on earth for the artists in-residence.
“3 man in the pea green boat” is the title of the current exhibition open just last Saturday by Peter Moray, Director of the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork.
Two girls responsible for this display are Patricia Hurd and Therry Rudin who are main curators and founders of Damer House Gallery.
The exhibition was comment theme of Edward Lear story “The Owl and the Pussycat”. From all the three man in a boat: Fx Murphy, Will O’Kane and Eddie Kennedy presenting contemporary art, so original and far away from the Dublin Hub, one was one step ahead of the others.
Tipporary born, Eddie Kennedy, in 1960. Graduate from the Limerick School of Art and Design, connected to Cincinnati University. Living for a while in US, came back to Eire. Represented by John Cacciola Gallery in Chealsea and Hillsboro Fine Art Gallery in Dublin.
At Damer House he presents his landscapes, in my opinion the most mature and responsible artist from all.
In the area of landscapes he circulating above, reviles extraordinary exploration of surface, texture, space and light.
Thank you to the Damer House Gallery for the invitation, wishing you all the best in the future and great successes. And to you I asking to explore more the local art outside the “big apples” like Dublin and Cork they might very.
By Anna Tchorzewska Geoghegan
BLACK BOX, non-profit organization supporting art
