Sligo artist Póilín Mc Gowan is delighted to launch her new exhibition ‘Elements’

SLIGO artist Póilín Mc Gowan heralds from Dunfore, Ballinfull, Co Sligo, and the influence of the untamed north Sligo Atlantic landscape where she grew up permeates every inch of her art. Her new solo exhibition at Hamilton Gallery is aptly named Elements, as indeed it was freezing elements last week conspired to force a cancellation of her exhibition launch event on Thursday.

But then this is an artist who takes the toughest Irish weather conditions in her daily working stride.

Of her new show, landscape works created around the north Sligo seascape, Póilín says “I want to bring people to a place where they can imagine standing alone on the edge of nature, imagine the sea roaring, the feeling of icy water touching your skin, the tingle such exposure brings to your very soul. The landscape at the Atlantic edge around north Sligo is vast, open, bog sodden with salt water and I want people to feel they are standing in that landscape of dark browns, yellows, with the coldness seeping and attaching itself to your very being. Working in such lonely places I find a unique depth of companionship with myself, of meetings, of connectivity through the elements surrounding me, and I look for this to emerge as a real and vibrant presence in my work.

Poilin McGowan has a Higher Diploma in Art for Art and Design Teachers Limerick School of Art and Design , and also a National Diploma and B.A (Hons) in Fine Art from Sligo Institute of Technology. Her exhibition “Elements” runs at Hamilton Gallery until March 31st.

There will be a special ‘Meet The Artist’ Event with Póilín Mc Gowan at 5.30 pm Thursday March 8th in Hamilton Gallery. This is in lieu of the cancelled exhibition launch of Póilín’s new solo show “Elements” last Thursday due to the severe weather. Póilín will be on hand to talk about her work and inspiration. All are welcome and some light refreshments will be served.