My exhibition Lines and Layers opened at St John’s Theatre & Arts Centre in Listowel, Co. Kerry last Saturday. I started this body of work in Cill Rialaig Artist Retreat, Co. Kerry in early 2020 and continued working on it over the lockdowns. These acrylic on canvas paintings are variations on simple patterns, made one brushstroke at the time and layered, to create new and unexpected compositions and shades of colour. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-17:30
Kilkenny Catwalk is a trail of 21 sculptures painted by local artists. The 5ft fibreglass resin model is based on Pangur Bán, a character from Cartoon Saloon’s first feature animation ‘The Secret of Kells’. The project is a partnership between Kilkenny Civic Trust and Kilkenny County Council. The trail will be launched on 10 October 2021 and remain in place until Easter 2022. The trail is designed to immerse people in Kilkenny’s rich heritage while at the same time supporting the Keep Well Campaign. At the conclusion of the project, all artwork will be auctioned to raise funds for the St Mary’s Almshouses refurbishment project.
I painted the Age Friendly Cat following a series of online workshops promoted by the Older Peoples Council. Through the medium of papercutting, participants explored positive and negative space, colour, pattern and all things Kilkenny. The rich collection of papercuts that developed over a couple of months, became an integral part of the cat design. Early on, one of the workshop participants proposed that the Age Friendly Cat should be a celebration of creativity in older age. Big thanks to the workshop participants: Eimear Burke, Mary Colclough, Bryan Culley, Janice Culley, Joan Fogarty and Mari O’Shea.
Today I finally finished the mural in Mill Street, Callan, Co. Kilkenny on the hoarding around a derelict cottage.
Composition 1, Acrylic on Canvas, 50x50cm, 2020
Thank you to Italian curator Valeria Ceregini, for including me in JournAll, her online art programme. JournALL offers its social media as a platform to showcase emerging and established artists across the world who may be struggling to promote themselves due to the rise of COVID-19. ‘In conversation with…’ is a video chat to connect artists at any stage of their career to talk about their experience and research. These interviews and performances want to give the resources to perform and react creatively at this crisis.
The Space Between
The Space Between, an exhibition of new work by Paul Bokslag, Watergarden Gallery, Ladywell Street, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny. Opening: Thu 26 Sep 2019 @ 19.00 Exhibition continues until 25 October. Opening Times: Tue-Fri, 9.30-16.30 http://www.paulbokslag.com
Five of my recent ink on paper works were part of In:Sight, a celebration of the arts in Callan at the wonderful Fennelly’s of Callan: one in the window and four in the snug. The work will remain in Fennelly’s until the end of July. Check out their five star coffee, breakfast and lunch.
Composition, Ink on Paper, 60x60cm, 2018
I am showing some new ink on paper works at the Mountshannon Arts Festival 31 May-10 June. I am also facilitating a monoprinting and a linoprinting workshop on Saturday 2 June.
Studio 7, Tyrone Guthrie Centre, Annaghmakerrig, Co. Monaghan
Over Easter, I was finally able to book my second residency week at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre in Annaghmakerrig. This time I stayed in Miss Worby’s room, which is said to be haunted by her ghost and I worked in Studio 7 on another series of Ink on Paper. Thanks again to Kilkenny County Council’s Arts Office for the bursary.
Camphill Camino Trek Fundraiser Artsale
Purchase an original and affordable piece of art for on your wall or to give away as a present and contribute towards a good cause.
From 30 September – 7 October 2017 I will take part in the Camphill Camino Trek from Ponferrada to Sarria to help to raise funds in support of the inspiring work that Camphill does around the country. As part of my fundraising efforts I am selling a series of small abstract drawings. All drawings cost €45.00 only and are made using archival and acrylic inks. The price includes a simple IKEA frame or postage to anywhere in the world. 100% of the proceeds will go towards the Camphill fundraiser. The drawings on offer can be viewed on my facebook page, or in person in KCAT.
Drawings can be taken home after purchase. Shipments will take place after the completion of the walk. If you have already made a donation and feel you are missing out on this opportunity, please talk to me and I am sure we can come to an agreement. Contact me if you want to secure a drawing of your choice or if you have any questions.
Paul Bokslag 