Artist Pauline Bewick presented with award at Áras an Uachtaráin

Artist Pauline Bewick has been presented with the Kerry Association in Dublin Arts Award at a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin with President Michael D Higgins and Sabina Higgins.

President Michael D Higgins said the award, a bespoke piece of Dingle Crystal, was “an important acknowledgement” of all Ms Bewick has given to the cultural and artistic dimension of Irish society throughout her career.

“There can be no doubt that Pauline’s work provides an intriguing and profound insight into her life’s journey – into the emotions, joys, sorrows, contemplations and revelations which have driven that journey,” he said.

“Hers is the journey of an artist who has always followed her own path, who reflects on the world in her own unique way, eluding categorisation, refusing to fit into any one genre.

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“For Pauline art is about freedom, the freedom to imagine all that is possible, to create worlds without boundaries, unconditional landscapes where anything is conceivable.

“Her work is, as a result, expression in its truest form, unburdened by purpose or expectation, pulling us away from the everyday and towards alternate existences.”

Mrs Higgins also paid tribute to her long-time friend, referring to her “immense” influence on Irish arts and society.

The award was introduced to recognise excellence in the arts by an artist who was either born in Kerry or has spent a significant part of their life there. This is its third year in existence. The previous winners were writers Brendan Kennelly and Anthony Gaughan.