‘Daydreamers’ exhibition opens at Dundalk's Basement Gallery
‘Daydreamers’ by Olive Eustace opens tomorrow, Wednesday 22nd July at 7pm in the Basement Gallery.
An Táin Arts Centre says it is delighted to present ‘Daydreamers’ by Olive Eustace, opening this Wednesday 22nd July at 7pm in the Basement Gallery.
Olive Eustace is a figurative artist whose work is shaped by a lifelong fascination with the human form and a distinctive sensitivity to colour.
Drawing from life remains central to her practice, a discipline first nurtured during her studies at the Limerick School of Art and Design.
In her paintings, the figure takes precedence - often simplified or subtly stylised-embodying a quiet stillness and contemplative energy.
Whether portrayed in isolation or in groups, the figure is presented with a heightened attention to posture and presence, revealing what Eustace considers the most expressive part of the body: the face.
Her work is deeply narrative, reflecting memories from childhood, experiences of place, and the visual rhythm of pattern and fabric.
Motifs such as textiles, objects, and symbolic elements frequently appear, enriching the story behind each image.
Light and dark contrasts play a key role as she constructs her compositions, anchoring the figure within architectural lines or urban environments before building colour through paint.
Across her practice, Eustace aims to offer viewers a moment of reflection - an invitation to connect with the quiet power of the human figure.
Her paintings celebrate colour, memory, and the enduring beauty found in the everyday.
Director of An Táin Arts Centre Paul Hayes says of the exhibition: “What initially drew me to her work was its compelling figurative quality, with each composition placing the figure firmly at the forefront.
"There is almost a theatricality to how the juxtaposition of the character and the setting come together.
"Beneath the vibrant colour palette, there is also a palpable sense of melancholy within each character. These elements, make the work rather captivating.”
The exhibition runs from the 23rd of July - 29th of August. The Basement Gallery opening hours are Tuesday - Saturday | 10am - 4pm.
It is free to attend and no booking is required.