By Dan Walsh at The Pigyard Gallery, Wexford town.
Valentine’s Day in Wexford town was celebrated with the official launch of the Awakening exhibition at the Pigyard Art Gallery performed by well-known singer, actress and presenter and avid art lover Sharon Clancy.
Sharon said: “I’m so pleased to be opening the exhibition as I’ve been following these three amazing artists (Emma Phillips, Michelle O’Neill and Jean Maskell) for some time and am really looking forward to seeing their interpretation of this inspiring time of year.
Sharon continued; “This beautiful intimate gallery here feels like the perfect setting for something so personal and powerful. And how special that the three artists behind the exhibition – Michelle O’Neill, Jean Maskell and Emma Phillips – are not only collaborators, but cousins. There is something deeply rooted and quietly powerful abut that shared history, that shared bloodline, now expressed in three completely individual creative voices.
“Each of the artists present their own unique interpretation of what the great awakening of Spring means to them.
Pastel artist Emma Phillips’ incredibly detailed bird portraits reflect the presence, resilience and strength of these small creatures, whose song is often the first sign of life returning after winter. She feels that the wisdom within nature signals survival and hope all around us.
Michelle O’Neill, an artist whose career spans elite international sport and visual arts, embraces colour and form as expressions of empowerment and renewal. Moving beyond her usual style, these works explore energy, love and self-discovery — a visual reflection of personal growth and new beginnings.
Interdisciplinary artist and writer Jean Maskell’s work combines mediums to creatively explore and develop stories of strength, survival, and transformation. By merging the human journey and the natural world using art, ceramics, poetry and artisan printing, her message is one of positivity and hope.
“Awakening” is a must-see exhibition at The Pigyard Gallery until February 27th at Spectrum Art & Framing, 13 Selskar Street, Townparks, Wexford, Y35 XV80. The exhibition is open Monday- Thursday 9.30am to 5.30pm and Friday and Saturday 9.30am to 6pm.
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