An exhibition of paintings by Bartosz Kolata & Eoin O'Connor.
Riverbank Arts Centre is very pleased to show the beautiful and curious contemporary paintings of emerging artists Bartosz Kolata and Eoin O’Connor.
Two very considered painters creating visually arresting works moving between abstract and representational imagery. This work demands contemplation. All is not as it seems, the lines of real and unreal are blurred or are they? Bartosz approaches his subjects with sensibility and subtlety as does Eoin in his probing and examination of social ideals.
From Bartosz’s statement – Painting is my path through life. I am not trying to change the world. You will not find in my art a lot of violence, even if I am taking up subjects like war or death. I am trying to sketch life in a different way with my own particular sense of humor. I am not indifferent to what is going on around me. There is such a massive onslaught of cruel and violent scenes blurring the line between reality and unreality that our sensibility has been weakened. A strong message does not always require a violent image, because you can often achieve much more through gentleness. I hope my paintings are able to restore people’s sensibility, which is fundamental.
Bartosz Kolata holds a Masters of Fine Art from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland (2006). He exhibits extensively nationally and internationally. Bartosz has received awards and his work is held in public collections including the Office of Public Works, Dublin, Mason Hayes & Curran, Dublin, Holles St Hospital, Dublin and private collections in Europe, USA and Colombia. For further information see www.bartoszkolata.com
Eoin’s images allude to the notion of the ideal city or environments. Self contained universes, they appear nostalgic and tranquil, but in reality are symbols of an unrealistic ideal. This sense is achieved in some of the works in this show where places seem too calm and a little unnerving, they are almost always unpopulated which leaves one feeling something is not quite right. Using a minimal palate and painting technique, Eoin manages to create intriguing and beautiful works that have a timeless quality.
Eoin O’Connor holds a BA (First Class Hons) from NCAD, Dublin (2003). He won CAP Award in the same year. He has had a number of notable residencies including the Lassallian International Culture Centre, Florence, Italy. He was commissioned to produce works for the covers of the ‘Poetry Now’ Junior and Leaving certificate anthologies. He has exhibited widely, most recently in ‘Changing Landscapes’ in the John Martin Gallery, London. His work is held in many public and private collections including the Office of Public Works, Kildare County Council, AXA insurance and the CAP Collection.
The exhibition opens Saturday, December 4th at 3pm and runs until December 18 in the McKenna Gallery at Riverbank Arts Centre, admission is free, all welcome.
