Anna's new art exhibition draws inspiration from Achill and the West
Anna McKeever's exhibition of 11 paintings draws inspiration from the West of Ireland.
Following the success last summer of her second solo exhibition, 'I Brought You Flowers', contemporary Irish artist Anna McKeever has unveiled her new collection of work, 'Solas', which draws inspiration from a range of mythic Irish landscapes and locales including Achill Island and the Irish myth, The Children of Lir.
This collection of 11 oil-on canvas paintings explores the influence of ancient Celtic beliefs and mythology in the context of the modern Irish landscape. The pieces combine to form a hybrid of ancient Irish mythology within a modern, vibrant landscape of colour and texture. Anna draws inspiration from pagan beliefs that recognised the profound importance of light through her own signature style.
“Solas is the Irish word for light, brightness and enlightenment. The Celts recognised the sun in particular as a powerful deity representing life, warmth and vitality. It was believed to have a direct impact on the fertility of the land, crops and livestock,” Anna explains.
A Belfast-based artist with a growing reputation across Ireland and internationally, Anna’s work is immediately recognisable. In this collection, she seamlessly blends ancient mythological themes with contemporary colour and texture. Celtic symbols are etched into the work itself, and the paint is applied liberally and without abandon.
Commenting on the creative process that produced 'Solas', Anna says, “I find it interesting that even in this modern era there is still a connection to ancient myths and legends. This juxtaposition of the ancient and modern weaves its way through the work - creating a storyboard without words.
“I was influenced by myths I heard in my childhood, legends of the borderlands. Recently, I visited Mayo and Achill Island and the surroundings of the west coast of Ireland immediately resonated with me.
"The driving force behind this collection came from my fascination with Irish mythology. I grew up listening to stories of Tír na nÓg and the Children of Lir. I’ve always connected with ancient pagan beliefs that respected the land and the seasons, so it was important for me to honour the Irish landscape whilst incorporating the myth and legend that has shaped it. It has been a fascinating journey to create this body of work.”
Anna describes the effect that light plays on the landscape as well as the symbolic power of light in her paintings of Achill Island and the glowing mystical horse in ‘Into the West.’
“I love how transient light is here,” Anna says. “A sunbeam can break through the clouds and in a split second, the entire landscape changes.”
Art enthusiasts can view the full exhibition at Anna McKeever’s Ormeau Road-based studio, 455 Ormeau Road, Belfast, on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm or by appointment. Visit www.annamckeever.com for more information.
