DAVE’S WORK IS OVER TD’S BED
LABOUR PARTY leader Brendan Howlin officially opened an exhibition of small landscape paintings by Dave West at the Pigyard Gallery in Selskar, telling his audience that one of the artist’s paintings hangs over his bed.
Deputy Howlin, who was happy to escape ‘Brexit’ fever to perform the art opening on the day after the British referendum, has long been a fan of the artist, who was born in Wales and now lives in Balbriggan.
The latest exhibition, entitled ‘Postcards’, feature s West’s small-scale interpretations of unexpected corners of the south-east with views from high in Clayton Whites Hotel and the National Opera House to harbours including Rosslare, Passage East and Dungarvan as well as other scenes.
His work is primarily concerned with the relationship between landscape, light and mood. Landscapes, vessels and buildings are seen in different light settings: dusk, dawn, street-lit or muted.
Deputy Howlin reminded his audience of Picasso’s words when he said the purpose of art was ‘ to wash the dust of daily life from our souls.’
‘In the past few months, there has been an accumulation of dust that surely needs washing away. Dave West provides and effective way to cleanse the troubled soul. For me, I come back to the sea. His boats and sea vistas are what attracts me and the thought of them is liberating,’ he said.
Dave West’s exhibition continues at the Pigyard Gallery until July 18.