John Kennedy - The man who wanted to see it all \;
\nOpening reception Thursday 27 March\, 5.30-7.30pm. Canapes by Orla McAndrew Food. Wine by Boursot Wines. Further details about our hospitality partners can be found below\, including what they will be serving on the night. \;
\nArtist in conversation with friend and fellow painter Colin Crotty\, Saturday 12 April\, 12pm. \;
\nLavit Gallery is pleased to present a solo exhibition by Clonmel-based painter John Kennedy. \; \;
\nThe title of the show &lsquo\;The man who wanted to see it all&rsquo\; comes from a documentary of the same name (Albert Albacete\, 2021) which tells the story German man Heinz Stü\;cke who left Germany in 1962\, at the age of twenty\, with his bicycle and a tent and by the time he returned in 1996\, fifty years later\, he had been in all the countries of the world. Kennedy&rsquo\;s recent series of paintings do not retell this story but are inspired by it. In fact\, it is very much the artist&rsquo\;s practice to start with a subject\, but through a series of abstractive processes\, then arrive at a result that is a more autobiographical version or simply an homage. \;
\nKennedy&rsquo\;s wandering eye takes him into new territory periodically and each subject is worked through until it is finally resolved. This exhibition also features paintings from two earlier bodies of work that focus on the disparate subjects of American timber-framed houses and the infrastructural and scientific architecture of an unidentified polar region. \;
\nWhat unifies all three subjects is the artist&rsquo\;s visual interrogation of the imagery and the process of applied abstraction and texture which are signature features of his painting process. For example\, a video still from the documentary is first masked by using a search engine to find a different yet comparable image\, perhaps one that is &lsquo\;better&rsquo\; to paint. The chosen images are then largely silhouetted creating negative space into which the artist can introduce pattern or texture. The silhouetted figures are apertures into experiences lived but are not made visible to the viewer. In the case of the timber-framed houses evenly spaced vertical lines fill the frame\, reminding us of the presence of the artist and their interpretation. The polar architecture series appears almost fully representational\, but not quite. These paintings are stylised and artificially aged so that they appear to be illustrations plucked from the narrative of a graphic novel. \;
\nMethods of abstraction become motifs in the artist&rsquo\;s painting practice and traverse multiple bodies of work. The introduction of craquelure or staining has its origins in Kennedy&rsquo\;s earlier fascination with derelict historic interiors that once performed an important function\, where wear and tear is evident\, and patina is the main aesthetic currency. This look comes and goes within a series and across different bodies of work. The vertical lines from the house series have also made their way into other subjects. Similarly\, grids have appeared on numerous surfaces. \;
\nThe artist is also interested in the contrast between harsh realities or situations and homely comforts such as heat and soft furnishings. This is exemplified by the overlaying of the lace pattern of a doily onto the surface of paintings that might otherwise seem entirely bleak. The lace is a way of representing thoughts of home comforts\, or a sense of home made by the mother of the house (in most cases) &ndash\; the maker of lace. The artist asks how do people choose to exist in harsh environments (cycling a bike around the world for fifty years\, not knowing what the next day/night will bring)? Did the protagonist have a way of manifesting &lsquo\;home&rsquo\; when he lay in his tent at night? Even after fifty years\, the place he returned to was home &ndash\; even though he hasn&rsquo\;t been there for most of his life\, it is home.
\nPetrichor is the pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm\, dry weather. Is there a similar signal when one returns home after a lengthy time away? Or is there a sense of comfort and warmth experienced by a worker in a harsh polar environment when they return to their prefab after a tough day? Hygge is a Danish word that describes a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment upon returning to a place of comfort and security after enduring challenging conditions. There are often smells associated with this feeling of Hygge\, but you have to experience the harsh before you can feel the hygge. \;
\nEach series has a mood. As the artist puts it: &ldquo\;Due to the evolution of time and perhaps advancements in technology\, the subjects depicted in my paintings may no longer hold a significant position or function in today&rsquo\;s world. But previously within their lifetime they had a critical role to play in someone&rsquo\;s well-being\, beliefs or even survival. Set against lush or visually complex backgrounds the images and representational elements in my paintings possess a sort of infinity\, they survive in a melancholy existence and reflect an everyday hostile world\, in which they are transiting through&rdquo\;. \;
\nJohn Kennedy \;is a painter who works and lives in Clonmel\, Co. Tipperary. He completed a BA in Fine Art at Crawford College of Art and Design\, Cork in 1996. More recently he completed the Turps Correspondence Course through Turps School\, London (2021). Solo exhibitions include &lsquo\;This Will be a Long Time Ago&rsquo\;\, Main Guard Clonmel\, Clonmel Junction arts festival (2023)\, &lsquo\;Edgelands&rsquo\;\, South Tipperary Arts Centre\, Clonmel (2021) and &lsquo\;Verlassen&rsquo\;\, Army Barracks Magazine\, Clonmel Junction Festival (2018). Group exhibitions include Winter Exhibition\, Lavit Gallery\, Cork (2023/2024)\, &lsquo\;Outbuilding&rsquo\;\, The Source Arts Centre\, Thurles\, Co. Tipperary (2021)\, &lsquo\;From Beyond - The Lockdown Series&rsquo\; - Online exhibition in response to COVID-19 restrictions (2020)\, &lsquo\;Remnants&rsquo\; curated by John Kennedy - South Tipperary Arts Centre\, Clonmel (2018/2019)\, Royal Hibernian Academy Annual Exhibition (2023\, 2022\, 2021\, 2020\, 2019\, 2018). \;
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\nOrla McAndrew Food \;
\nRecently published author and TV chef Orla McAndrew is looking forward to creating a bespoke menu for the launch of John Kennedys exhibition at Lavit Gallery on 27th March. A menu that focuses on Tipperary'\;s rich larder\, showcasing its finest producers in every bite. Orla is looking forward to meeting the artist and working alongside John Passmore of Boursot Wines to perfectly match world class wines to this menu. \;
\nTipperary has a wonderful natural larder from which Orla has created a beautiful tasting menu:
\nCashel Blue cheese with rhubarb and ginger jam on homemade Oat cakes. \;
\nWalshs gourmet butcher sausage rolls with Rivesci red onion marmalade \;
\nCooleeney cheese with Galtee Honey Farm - raw wildflower honey croutes \;
\nCrows farm outdoor reared bacon and cabbage croquettes with Rivesci relish. \;
\nCarrot cake made with carrots from Annies Organic Farm. \;
\n\;For further details about Orla McAndrew please visit her website https://omcatering.ie/ or contact her at \; orla@omcatering.ie / 087 709 0946. \;
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\nBoursot Wines
\nSauvignon Blanc\, Vondeling\, (South Africa- Voor-Paardeberg)\, 2023
\nWith an aroma that is almost reminiscent of grapefruit\, this wine is fresh and fruity. \; So easy to enjoy by itself before or even alongside a light meal. \; This wine shows off all that is so good about SA Sauvignon. \;
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\nMalbec\, Châ\;teau de Fontenille\, Bordeaux Rouge Gourmand\, 2022
\n100% Malbec\, a delicious\, full-bodied red wine from Bordeaux\, showcasing rich berry flavours\, complemented by subtle spice and oak notes. It has a smooth\, velvety mouthfeel offering depth and complexity. Ideal for pairing with grilled meats\, hearty stews\, and rich cheeses\, it&rsquo\;s a versatile and elegant choice for both immediate enjoyment and aging.
Boursot Wines: 400 Years of Excellence\, now with a Global Twist. With over 400 years of wine expertise dating back to the 16th century in Burgundy\, France\, Boursot Wines is a family legacy known for its unwavering commitment to quality. Originally steeped in the art of winemaking\, the Boursot family has evolved into one of the foremost wine selection experts\, curating exceptional collections from France&rsquo\;s most prestigious regions. Now led by Guy Boursot\, the company honours its rich heritage while embracing modern tastes\, blending tradition with innovation. Boursot Wines is excited to offer not only the finest French selections but also an expanding range of South African wines\, reflecting the growing diversity in global winemaking. As part of their ongoing support of the Arts and Cork\, Boursot Wines is thrilled to introduce its premium offerings in collaboration with the Lavit Gallery and its esteemed Artists. At Boursot Wines\, we make enjoying great wine easier for you. Good Wine. Simplified.
\nFor more information\, visit www.boursot.ie or contact John Passmore or Guy Boursot at admin@boursot.ie. \;
\n \;Lavit Gallery\, Wandesford Quay\, Clarke'\;s Bridge\, Cork\, T12 E26D. \;
\n021 4277749 \;
\nwww.lavitgallery.com \;
\nOpening Hours: Tuesday &ndash\; Saturday\, 10.30 &ndash\; 6.00pm \;