Young Laois artist challenging world where money and power rules

A young Laois artist from a well-known Portlaoise family opens a new exhibition in Stradbally this week.

Laois County Council's Arts Office and the Laois Arthouse, Stradbally say they're delighted to present an exhibition of work by Paddy Critchley with participants from the annual adult summer arts programme 2024.

Following four days with Paddy, focusing on drawing and painting from life, the group will present an exhibition titled Staidéar Neamhbheo Still Life at the Laois Arthouse, opening on Friday, July 5 at 6pm.

The programme which led to the exhibition comprised of a four-day course from July 2 to 5. Over the four-days, Paddy shared his work methods and experience to assist and guide the students. The programme focused on drawing and painting from life. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Laois County Council representatives attended the workshop.

Since graduating from Limerick School of Art and Design in 2021, Paddy has exhibited at The Hunt Museum and Limerick City Gallery of Art and the Dunamaise Arts Centre. Paddy has work in the Limerick City Gallery of Art and the Hunt Museum’s permanent collection. He was the recipient of the De Veres Art Award for Work of Distinction at the 191st Annual RHA Exhibition for the painting Nature Morte (After Beckett).

The Laois Arts Office outlines Paddy's work and approach.

"His practice is a constant interrogation of his environment. His political ideologies towards his environment shape how he sees the world and informs his practice. Paddy is conscious that in an ever-increasingly chaotic world, where money and power rules, he wishes to shine a light on the ordinary person and the life he lives and knows. MORE BELOW PICTURE

Laois Arthouse in Stradbally

"Paddy aims to show different voices within the social and economic backgrounds of his peers and their environments, these take the form on intimate portraits and still lives reminiscent of the American artist Alice Neel, who has been a substantial influence on Paddy’s practice. Paddy is also a painter and decorator and is interested in the politics of this trade," said the Arts Office.

The Laois Arthouse welcomes all who wish to attend the exhibition opening. The exhibition will be open to the public until Friday, July 26.

Paddy will also be in conversation with Jock Nichol about the exhibition the direction he is going on Monday, July 15 at 7pm, . All are welcome to attend, and admission is free. Refreshments will be served. Entrance is through the Laois Arthouse entrance on the Timahoe Road, Stradbally Co Laois. R32KWX3.