New images of the west of Ireland

Emigrants who have returned for The Gathering and are looking for contemporary paintings of the old country might enjoy a selling exhibition, called, appropriately, Homeland, by artist Pádraig McCaul at Dublin's Doorway Gallery.

McCaul, who lives on Achill Island, is exhibiting more than 30 new oil paintings of mainly west of Ireland landscapes, old homesteads and farms. “Where we come from has a powerful effect on our lives,” said McCaul about his work. “What is it that draws us back to a place? What is it about the landscapes of where we come from that evoke such a strong emotional connection, such a strong sense of belonging? Images of recognisable landmarks can cause us to stop in our tracks and immediately transport us back to a particular place and time. It’s not always the obvious images that trigger the memories of home and make us think of the ‘homeland’. Sometimes it’s as little as a cloud formation, or the glimpse of a cluster of old farm buildings sheltering under a brooding mountain. Or maybe just a simple red roof.”

The paintings range from €950 to €3,500. Limited-edition prints cost €350.

Homeland by Pádraig McCaul opens at the Doorway Gallery, 24 South Frederick Street, Dublin, 6pm, June 27th. Until August 27th. – MP