Once again the Earagail Arts Festival has an excellent variety of art and photography exhibitions this year. The RCC and An Grianán Theatre have many fantastic exhibitions between them, which I had the pleasure of visiting this week.
By Caoimhe Ní Chathail
RCC – Selected Works : Paul Rooney (9th to 28th July)
This photography exhibition is a snapshot of Paul Rooney’s ingenious work in relation to his hometown Letterkenny as he invites us to delve deeper into the familiar. His ‘Dead Pool’ collection reveals the abandoned condition of the old swimming pool and contrasts with memories we would previously have held of the leisure centre. Other images of Tinney’s ‘Coalyard’ and Oatfields reveal intriguing glimpses of Letterkenny. These photographs offer a creative and innovative image of Letterkenny.
RCC – The 5th Birthday Show (9th July to 29th September)
Having recently celebrated its 5th birthday, the RCC’s latest exhibition is a varied collection of art associated with Donegal, iconic works of art in the county and varied collections and exhibition pieces. The variety insures some object of interest for everyone. From Abigail O’Brien’s ‘Dripping Toffee’ from the DCC Collection ‘Oatfield’ which was held in the RCC in 2008 to the ‘Degas book’ from Derek Hill’s collection this is a captivating exhibition which excellently displays the diversity and quality of Donegal’s art and photography.
An Grianán – Daniel Nellis (9th July to 31st August)
Having been awarded the Derek Hill Prize at the Glebe Open in 2011, Daniel Nellis is an upcoming artist who oozes talent and promise. The examples of his work in An Grianán such as ‘Self-portrait’ and ‘Dad’ display his beautiful style and focus on expression.
An Grianán – Ann Quinn (9th July to 31st August)
An acclaimed and established artist whose work appears in many Irish Collections such as those of AXA Insurance and the HSE, Ann Quinn’s pieces such as ‘Up By Lough Insheagh’ and ‘Sitka Spruce Sky’ put a particular emphasis on the sky and its varied forms.
With the above exhibitions running as well as those in the Warehouse; Glenties, Fort Dunree; Buncrana and An Gailearaí; Gweedore to name a few, there is certainly no shortage of artistic entertainment this summer!