An exhibition of new multimedia works entitled Lost Country by Feargal O’Malley opens Thursday July 31 at 7.30pm at Custom House Studios Gallery, The Quay, Westport, Co Mayo. Lost Country is an exhibition exploring place, memory and the links between past and present. It focuses on construction of landscapes from childhood memories of time spent in Westport, and the day-to-day life of the artist growing up and as an adult in Craigavon, Northern Ireland. Certain memories come to mind even though we are located in completely different environments. Each piece reflects how stimulus from the artist's life in Craigavon can prompt memories of his childhood holidays in the west of Ireland and inform a visual portrayal of these memories. The resulting imagery can somewhat idealistic - given the dramatic changing landscape in both areas - a result of the recent housing boom.
The exhibition will run until August 24. The Custom House Gallery is located at the Quay, Westport and is open every day. For more information call 098 28735.
Workshop course in Custom House
Custom House Studios are pleased to offer a two-day monoprint workshop on August 9 and 10. The course is designed to introduce students to a variety of monoprint techniques. These will include creating images on Perspex plates and printing them using an etching press. Monoprint is a painterly process and students will complete a number of unique prints on each day. Both oil-based and water-based techniques will be explored. Beginning students as well as working artists are encouraged to enrol. The class will meet for five hours on both days. Class size is limited to six students. Custom House Studios will supply most materials. Participants will have the opportunity to rent studio time on completion of this course. Course fee is €80, for registration please call 098 28735.
