Renowned international artist, John Kingerlee, will make a rare appearance at a special exhibition of his work in the Luan Gallery Athlone on January 16, to celebrate his upcoming 80th birthday.
John Kingerlee, who recently became an Irish citizen, was born in Birmingham in 1936 and is a direct descendent of the potter Josiah Wedgewood on his mother’s side from County Cork.
He was the first British or Irish artist to exhibit his works in the National Art Museum of China in Beijing and there followed numerous exhibitions worldwide including a four-year tour of 20 venues in The United States.
Kingerlee lived in Cornwall for 20 years before moving to an isolated cottage in West Cork where the rocks, seas, and majestic skies continuously inspire his work. Kingerlee mimics the cycle of growth and decay by working with matter in a highly experimental way. Often taking years to complete, his works are built up in countless layers of paint until they resemble relief sculptures.
Famed New York Times art critic, William Zimmer, describes Kingerlee’s work as "remarkable", while Dr Ted Pillsbury of Kimbell Art Museum paid him the ultimate accolade by describing Kingerlee as "Turner’s successor".
The exhibition will be opened by Archbishop of Dublin and Glendalough, Dr Michael Jackson, accompanied by Ros Drinkwater, Sunday Business Post fine arts columnist, and introduced by Sean O Rourke (RTÉ ).
Archbishop Jackson said he was honoured to be invited to be part of the launch. “I came to know John Kingerlee in Dublin during the 1980s and always enjoyed both his work and his personality," he said. "From time to time we met and shared ideas and thoughts. I am honoured to be invited to be part of this launch and in turn wish to honour my friend John in all of his creativity.”
More than 54 works will be exhibited spanning the years 1962 to 2016 including landscapes, heads, grids, collage, and drawings. The exhibition will also show 10 new limited edition prints.
The exhibition runs in the Luan Gallery from January 16 to February 27.
