20 July 2017
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
‘Art to Shore’
Pic. Emma Jervis Photography
An internationally acclaimed Heir Island artist is set to bring his work back to the mainland for two special exhibitions at the Doswell Gallery, Rosscarbery and Liss Ard Estate, Skibbereen.
Ian Humphreys who has been based on Heir Island since 2004 famously auctioned off much of his work in 2011 during the recession. This auction saw art buyers travel from all over the world to West Cork with the same expected for his exhibitions in Liss Ard and the Doswell.
The exhibitions coincide with the launch of Humphreys book which chronicles his work over the past ten years. The limited edition hardback book which features images by celebrated photographer John Minihan of Humphreys in his studio on Heir Island comes with a signed limited edition print and retails for €75 or €65 during private viewing evenings on July 28th and 29th in Liss Ard and the Dosswell Gallery.
Taking inspiration from the sea and landscape he surrounds himself with on the beautifully remote Heir Island, Humphrey’s stripped back style cuts away all the cleverness and supposed mystique of painting, leaving the magic of simplicity.
Speaking of the exhibitions Humphreys says, “I am excited to host these exhibitions in Liss Ard Estate and The DoswellGallery. The art world has changed a lot over the past number of years, however, I have never been interested in following the current trends but I do hope my work can speak for itself in its own quiet way.
In 2011 I decided to auction off my collection which allowed me to remain on Heir Island as I believe it is truly one of the most spectacularly beautiful places in the world. So much of what I do comes from the beauty that surrounds me and although I walk the same route each morning for inspiration, each days presents new colours to capture which can be seen in my work. I am looking forward to presenting my work to the public on the private viewing evenings on the 28th in Liss Ard and the 29th at the Doswell Gallery, both of which the public are welcome to attend.”
Many of Humphreys works are named after famous classical pieces of music which he listens to while painting, “I listen to a lot of classical music as I work and get huge inspiration from it. In my work I try to capture the essence and atmosphere of the island that surrounds me and I have found that those who follow and purchase my works feel connected to West Cork when they view them.”
Humphreys exhibitions will be available for viewing and purchasing in Liss Ard for the remainder of the summer and at the Doswell Gallery in Rosscarbery until August 10th.
Pic. Emma Jervis Photography
