Karol Mac Gairbheith is an artist from the Gaeltacht in the west of Donegal.
Karol is hosting a solo art exhibition titled Bealach Chun An Iarthair (A Road To The West) as part of the Earagail Arts Festival.
The exhibition will be displayed at An tSean Bheairic, Falcarragh Visitor Centre, from the 4th of July until the 31st of July, with the exhibition being officially opened at 7pm on Saturday the 8th.
After a decade practicing architecture in London, Karol returned home with a new found appreciation of the architectural landscape of the west of Donegal. He describes his new exhibition as a body of work exploring the beauty of the hidden landscape of Dunfanaghy, Falcarragh, Gweedore, the Rosses, and the islands of Inishbofin and Gola.
This is Karol’s Donegal…
(1) What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
Gola Island, because of its outstanding natural beauty and history.
(2) If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
To reinstate the railway line.
(3) Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?
Peadar Mc Daid, because of his his recent awareness for mental health around Donegal.
(4) Daniel O’Donnell or Packie Bonner?
Both, because they are good ambassadors for Donegal.
(5) What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
Donegal artists being recognised for their work in academies of art.
(6) What was Donegal’s saddest moment?
The closure of Oatfield Sweets.
(7) What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
Donegal tweed.
(8) Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
There are many, but for me it has to be Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh of Altan, because she promotes the Irish language through her music.
(9) Who is Donegal’s most successful businessperson in your opinion?
Donagh Kelly (KN Group), great to see someone like him do so well.
(10) Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Packie Bonner.
(11) What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
Danny Minnie’s Country House.
(12) Donegal’s golden eagles or basking sharks?
Golden Eagles.
(13) What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
Aye.
(14) What is the biggest challenge facing the people of Donegal today?
It is still finance and jobs.
(15) What is your favourite Donegal food?
Carrageen moss.
(16) Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
The weather sometimes.
(17) Do you have a favourite local band?
Altan.
(18) What inspired you to begin painting?
The Donegal landscape.
(19) If you had a million euro to spend improving something in Donegal what would it be?
An arts centre that contains studios for artists to work in.
(20) Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of?
I am proud of our stunning landscape, culture, and our Irish language.
To check out Karl’s work you can visit his website at www.karol.ie.
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