Exciting exhibition by Irish artist set to open Killyleagh gallery

Exciting exhibition by Irish artist set to open Killyleagh gallery

26 June 2024

THE Katie Lindsay Gallery in Killyleagh will present nine works by the artist Leanne McDonagh from June 28 to July 25.

Leanne’s reputation as an exciting emerging Irish artist has been growing steadily for some years now, having already exhibited in Irish Museum of Modern Art and the Glucksman, Cork.

She occupies a unique position as a college-educated artist from the Travelling community – these days she resides in a tiny village near Cork.

Leanne experiments with different methods. The majority of her works photography but she also makes prints and drawings. 

One aspect of her photographic method is the use of a very slow shutter speed to capture distinct elements within a scene and she has become extraordinarily adept and skilled at her own technique.

Thematically, from 16, she was very aware of the unease and disparities between her community and the rest of Ireland.

Her work explores the perceived notions and mystery that surrounds her community, constructing beguiling narratives that aim to pique the views so that they might examine any stereotypes they may hold about the Travelling community.

Leanne believes that her community is reflected in a bleak fashion in documentaries, looking at older generation of artists like the work of Jack B Yeats, Louis Le Brocquy and Nano Reid.

“These artists were influenced by our way of life and intrigued by the mystery and romantic notions of travellers,” she said.

“Through the vibrancy, warmth and aliveness of my own people, I want to reflect who my people really are.”