Stunning new art exhibition opens in Mayo

'Tailte Uisce/Water Lands' is the title of the latest exhibition by Margaret McKenna, which opened at Áras Inis Gluaire in Belmullet on August 16th last.

Originally from Dublin and having lived within a stone’s throw of the Irish Sea, Margaret moved to the lakelands of Cavan over 25 years ago where she practices as an artist, animator and art tutor.

The landscapes and the stories held within have long fascinated her, as well as the contrasting atmospheres and energies associated with different areas of water, the sea versus the lakes. This comparative aspect was especially emphasised during a wonderful residency in 2024 at Áras Inis Gluaire where the particularly wild coastline and weather, only reiterated how the energy of the ocean differs so much from that of the lakes. Each has its own beauty and power, and Margaret uses different techniques to illustrate this comparison. 

The seascapes are painted entirely using palette knife, in both oils and acrylics, as the knife strokes connect with the freedom of the ocean, the thick paint, giving a sense of power and strength. The Cavan lakes are painted using brushes, as they are more suitable to create a sense of tranquility and mystery.

This exhibition is part one of a tour, the second being in October when Margaret will bring Tailte Uisce to her neighbouring Virginia Library in the Ramor Arts Centre.

This outstanding exhibition is well worth viewing at Áras Inis Gluaire. See advertisement on opposite page.