by Rose Rushe
SCENIC sights to do with Limerick City are oft limited to King John’s Castle and predictable etceteras. Look to the River, consider our ambivalent relationship and the odd contrast of its swans and their collective to worldly concerns. Thus artist Kieran Carey has created ‘Swan’, an exhibition of new works from in his studio in Wolfe Tone Street and in the retreat of Annaghmakerrig, a tour sponsored by a City of Culture award to further professional training.
‘Swan’ opens at Friars’ Gate, Kilmallock on Thursday May 7 at 7.30pm. Everybody is welcome.
The concept began a year ago for Carey whose Shannon walks took him closer to this uniquely graceful species that congregate in urban waters. His attraction is “purely visual. I was interested in them as a visual source and for making works on a different scale, different sizes”.
Using acrylics, pencil, graphite, oil and collage, he has made many works, some designed to group in fours or so as swan families do, some stand alone.
The birds’ movement, the play of light on their colours and textures, and the element of “swans mating for life, I think, is a nice trait to have as a species. It hints at an intelligence and loyalty”…
Ours to peruse at Friars’ Gate until May 29.
