Mickey’s portrait exhibition goes virtual
Local artist Michael Duffy was due to have an exhibition of his vibrant portraits this month but with many galleries and venues still closed, he has had to settle for a virtual exhibition instead.
From the first day of lockdown on March 12, the Blackrock-based artist began posting his striking portraits of musicians, actors, writers and sports stars on his Facebook page on a daily basis, starting with his favourite band Slade.
It was a way of keeping himself busy and he soon found that he was getting a great response to his posts as people appreciated the opportunity to view art from their homes. His colourful paintings were certainly the perfect antidote to grim times and provided a welcome distraction at a time when people were adjusting to having to stay at home.
Even before lockdown, Mickey spent most of his days in the studio and has built up a large collection of work, some of which he donates to charities to help them raise funds. This year he donated four pieces to the Incognito auction for the Jack and Jill Foundation.
While he was always interested in art, it was only when he took early retirement from Louth County Council, that he decided to fulfil his dream of becoming a professional artist, completing a three year course in fine art at Newry and Kilkeel Institute. He has had six solo exhibitions to date, in Dundalk, Newry and Carlingford.
He was due to have another one this summer, but it, like so many arts events, fell victim to the VOVID-19 restrictions.
Announcing that he was going ahead with an on-line exhibition, Michael says: ‘Even better is the fact that all works will be available at 33% less than the proposed Gallery Catalogue Price because there will be no Gallery Fees or Commission, no Agents fees and no expensive publicity material. It’s a win win situation.’
The first painting, a portrait of Bruce Springsteen, went live yesterday at 9am and he will be posting a painting each day. Check out his Facebook page Michael G Duffy Art for details and paintings are being sold on a first come, first served basis.