Amanda back from America for Downpatrick exhibition

Amanda back from America for Downpatrick exhibition

9 October 2024

FOLLOWING an illustrious career in America spanning 30 years, Co Down artist Amanda Watt has returned home and is hosting a truly inspirational exhibition of 35 works currently on display at the St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick. 

After attending Down High School and York Street Art College in Belfast, Amanda forged her career as a successful artist in London and Los Angeles.

Solo shows is Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and New York for more than a decade made her a household name before she returned to the UK, exhibiting extensively in London. 

‘Peaks and Valleys: The Return’ is a showcase of Amanda contemporary artworks painted in her Dromara studio where she settled seven years ago.

Bringing together her trademark fusionist interior scenes with landscapes of her beloved Co Down, this is her first solo show in Northern Ireland for over 30 years. She is proud to be back in her native county, showcasing pieces inspired by her beautiful surroundings. 

Amanda did not hold back when she shared that her transition in 2017 back to Ireland after 30 years in America had been difficult but that today she feels its home and the transatlantic move is perhaps one of the best decisions she ever made.

She was also concerned that the Californian influences of colour and freedom in her work might not translate in the UK, and that a major relocation is always risky for any artist in terms of survival. 

Thankfully the art community embraced Amanda’s work and she attributes the public’s shift away from the traditionally murkier colours associated with Ireland and England to David Hockney.

Amanda’s exhibition runs at the St Patrick Centre until October 23. Amanda will be available to meet on October 12 and October 19 between 1pm and 5pm or by appointment through the visitors’ desk.