The Beara peninsula is home to a long established number of artists of exceptional talent, who indeed enjoy standing and success in the art world, both in Ireland and abroad. If this landscape of breathtaking beauty and lingering impressions has somehow captured their imaginations, one and all, their work is as diverse and individualistic as they are themselves.

The Kenmare Art Gallery, opening for the first time this Spring, is delighted to exhibit a collection of works by artists
Tim Goulding, Claudio Viscardi, Robin Forrester, Sarah Walker, John Philip Murray and Nealie Sullivan. All are
clearly inspired by Beara and their works here on view can perhaps best express this sentiment.

(detail)

Robin Forrester, exhibiting with two works of oil pastel on paper, has this to say; " Beara is on the sea when you reach Cod's
Head and we, living here beside her are charmed, salted, amazed, terrified, learning to know her every mood, round
the year."

Or Claudio Viscardi, having walked the incline to Knockgour Mountain in Allihies on a fine day mused, " One afternoon,
I stood on Knockgour Mountain and, gazing across the vastness of the Atlantic I thought of the edge of the world....."
Represented in the gallery by a strong body of work his imposing four part landscape interchangeable " Impressions of Beara", has transcribed to canvas the poetry of his highly distinctive style.

Tim Goulding feels that his recent work is veering towards abstraction and that he is aiming for something that almost looks as though it was brought about by natural forces. An acclaimed and talented painter his two large works in the
Kenmare Art Gallery are a testament to his special perception of nature.

Much of Sarah Walker's recent work is inspired by seasonal chances of colour on the peninsula as she focuses on a play of surface texture and detail. The observer is at once looking from a distance and from close up -"zooming in and out of the
landscape". Two abstract works carry her refined signature.

(detail)

Nealie Sullivan has switched the focus of his existence from a life on the high seas as a fisherman to that of a painter obsessed
with the sea. His paintings exude the swell of the ocean and bear the stamp of his knowledge of the sea.

(detail)

Also exhibiting in this exciting group show is John Philip Murray, an established, invited artist. His works in the
gallery represent a subtle abstraction of themes infused with sea and sky.

The Kenmare Art Gallery is situated in the picturesque location of Bridge Street, near the tourist office, in one of
Kenmare's loveliest old buildings. If you love art and are interested in Irish art in particular, pay us a visit and browse
at your leisure. Gallerist Martina Viscardi will ensure a warm welcome