MY CULTURAL LIFE
Kevin Sharkey, artist
Kevin Sharkey was born in Dublin, but grew up in Killybeggs, Donegal. A self-taught artist, he has exhibited around the world in Dublin, London, Ibiza, Amsterdam and New York. He has opened two new galleries in Dublin: The Basement Gallery on South Frederick Street, and the C.I.A gallery in the Point Village. Kevin lives in Ireland by the sea with his three dogs — Happy, Peggy, and Babu.
Film: Grease
Grease (right) was my first life-changing film. It ran for 17 nights in Donegal Town, and I hitched every night from Killybeggs to go to see it. I had never seen a modern musical, so full of colour and energy. Here was a world where everyone sang, danced and was happy. It is only now, thinking about it, that I realise it was very white, but I loved it. Flashdance and Saturday Night Fever were also amazing for a wee lad from Killybeggs, who liked to sing and dance.
Poem: The Betrayal
The Betrayal by Michael D Higgins is an extraordinary poem, beautifully paced, with a fascinating narrative. It is as if he is baring his soul to help you find your own. It is brave, powerful, and says so much more about the man than his many achievements. It is beautiful from start to finish. My brother Aidan Sharkey is also an amazing poet, as was my late sister Noelle. You know it is great poetry when you want to hear another one.
Singer: Grace Jones
I love Grace Jones (left), not just for her songs, but for her performance and sheer brutal art. Her collaboration with Jean-Paul Goude was incredible. She is a real show-woman, and a classic diva. I remember she slapped Russell Harty for not listening to her on a chat show once. I was lucky enough to get invited to her London mews home a number of years ago, and she was so gentle and kind, not what I expected at all. She had two aunts staying with her, and she could not do enough for them. She also had a bath full of ice, with large bottles of champagne in it. Her life story will one day make an amazing film.
Art Fair: Merrion Square
The art fair every Sunday in Merrion Square is an important part of Ireland’s art scene. It is perfect for families, as they can just enjoy the art, without any pressure to buy. There are so many great artists displaying their works, from modern contemporary to more traditional. I don’t have kids, but if I did, I would bring them there to show them that all kinds of art matters, to all kinds of people. There is no right or wrong in art, it is personal expression.
Band: Boney M
I wrote the words and melody for Boney M’s (below) Everybody Wants to Dance Like Josephine Baker, while Pete Briquette, from the Boomtown Rats, wrote the music. Growing up in Donegal in the 1960s and 1970s the only black music I ever heard was from Boney M. Usually the radio stations played Big Tom and The Main Liners, or Philomena Begley (The Girl From Donegal).