UV Arts Centre to showcase Derry brothers Art Exhibition
New and recent paintings and drawings by brothers Malachy and Declan McGonagle will go on display later this month
UV Arts Centre will showcase a two person exhibition of new and recent paintings and drawings by Derry brothers Malachy McGonagle and Declan McGonagle next week.
The exhibition, entitled 'Contrasts: The Poetic and the Political', will run from June 21 to July 26.
Both artists have had careers in senior positions in education and in curating and both originally studied Fine Art at the Belfast College of Art, from which they graduated in the 1970s.
Malachy McGonagle’s paintings are based on a visual analysis of landscape imagery, which is then manipulated and transformed through a painterly process which goes beyond conventional representation. The artist’s intention is to develop a personal, poetic interpretation of the source imagery.
Declan McGonagle’s figurative drawings are based on collaged images from mass media which reflect the stressed situation of the contemporary world, locally and further afield, to create a sense of an incomplete narrative, which the viewer is invited to resolve.
Both artists have had work included in exhibitions, at different times, throughout their careers. This is an opportunity to see their contrasting bodies of work, each with distinct starting points in terms of subject matter and creative approaches.
Speaking ahead of the exhibition, Malachy McGonagle, former head of art at Foyle College and St.Columb’s College, said: “My paintings originate from a systematic exploration and visual analysis of selected landscape imagery. Through a rigorous transformation and manipulation of these images and their relationships I develop a personal, in-depth poetic interpretation.
"This serves as a catalyst for an internal dialogue of sensitive experiences/ memories and the painterly process of handling the physical qualities of paint. It results in a dynamic break from conventional representation and the confines of realism that allows for the exploration of inner landscapes/ nature.
"This abstract flexibility and fresh perspective stimulates my imagination and promotes innovation for my very personal and creative narratives interpreted in vivid colour hues and dynamic forms.”
The UV Art Gallery, located at 16 Bishops Street, is open to the public Wednesday to Saturday from 12noon - 5.00pm. The exhibition runs until July 26.