Ronan Walsh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ronan Walsh
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| Born | 15 May 1958 Dublin, Ireland
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| Education | National College of Art and Design |
| Known for | Painter, graphic artist, photographer |
| Movement | Abstract expressionism, expressionism |
Ronan Walsh is an Irish artist born in Dublin on May 15, 1958. He is known for his paintings and has shown his art in many places. His work has been seen across Europe and North America. In 1988, he even represented Ireland at a big art event in Nice, France.
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About Ronan Walsh's Life
Ronan Walsh grew up in Dublin, Ireland. He started painting when he was very young. His father, Owen Walsh, was also an artist. He encouraged Ronan to develop his artistic skills.
Ronan had his first art show when he was seventeen. This was when he was living in the Netherlands. After that, he had many solo shows in Dublin. Throughout the 1980s, Ronan traveled and lived in different parts of Europe. Dublin was his main home during this time.
In 1990, Ronan moved to Toronto, Canada. He became a Canadian citizen in 1994. Today, he spends his time living and working in both Ireland and Canada.
Ronan Walsh's Art Career
Ronan Walsh finished college early in 1984. He studied at the National College of Art and Design (NCAD). He was able to skip two years because of his earlier successful art shows. These shows were in Dublin and the Netherlands. A poet named Edward James supported his early work. While at college, Ronan was taught by the artist Sean Scully.
From 1984 to 1988, Ronan was very involved with art centers in Dublin. These included the Temple Bar Gallery and Studios and the Project Arts Centre. He showed his art at both places. He also had his studio at the Temple Bar Gallery.
In 1987, he became the Chairman of Independent Artists. His father had started this group in 1959. It was an alternative to the more traditional Royal Hibernian Academy. Also in 1987, Ronan helped organize art classes. He also put on exhibitions for people experiencing homelessness. He worked with the Simon Community for this project.
During the late 1980s, Ronan showed his art in France and Belgium. He also had exhibitions at the Project Arts Centre in Dublin. In 1988, he was chosen to represent Ireland. This was at the Art Junction event in Nice, France.
In the 1990s, Ronan had many exhibitions. Most of these were in North America. He showed his work in New York and San Francisco. He also exhibited in Toronto and Dublin. Ronan has also taught art classes in Canada for several years.
Ronan Walsh's Art Style
Ronan Walsh first showed his paintings when he was seventeen. His early work caught the attention of Irish newspapers. These early paintings often showed landscapes with people. They had a dreamy, slightly abstract style. This style was similar to other Irish artists at the time.
After graduating from NCAD, his art began to change. He started painting more city scenes instead of landscapes. His style became more expressive and bold. He used thick paint and sometimes added found objects to his work. His paintings became more physical and strong.
By the late 1980s, Ronan's art was linked to new art movements in Europe. These included Neo-expressionism. In the 1990s, his art became even more realistic. He also started focusing on nature. He painted forests and beaches instead of city scenes.
Today, Ronan continues to focus on natural settings. He often finds inspiration in the Camargue horses and the West of Ireland. His recent work also shows a return to abstract art. This is similar to some of his earlier paintings.
Art critics have noticed his unique style. Joanne Savage wrote about his 2009 show, 'Camargue'. She said his work balances abstract and realistic styles. She compared his strong, thick paint to artists like Willem de Kooning. David Moos also saw a connection to de Kooning's use of bright colors. He noted Ronan's energetic brushstrokes.
Selected Art Exhibitions
- 2011: Toronto International Art Fair, Toronto, Canada
- 2011: Nicola Rukaj Gallery, Toronto, Canada
- 2009: Gormleys Fine Art, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- 2008: Galerie d’Olivier, Marseilles, France
- 2007: Bold Art Gallery, Galway, Ireland
- 2006: Miriam Shiell Gallery, Toronto, Canada
- 2005: Lee Gallery, Cork, Ireland
- 2004: Art Fair, Dublin, Ireland
- 2001: Gallery Moos, Toronto, Canada
- 2000: Hallward Gallery, Dublin, Ireland
- 1999: De Leon White Gallery, Toronto, Canada
- 1998: Drabinsky Gallery, Toronto, Canada
- 1996: Bond Latin Art, San Francisco, USA
- 1996: Jadite Gallery, NYC, USA
- 1996: Del Bello Gallery, Toronto, Canada
- 1992: Riverun Galleries, Dublin, Ireland
- 1989: Gallery Moos, Toronto, Canada
- 1988: Gallery D.C., Ghent, Belgium
- 1988: Nice Art Fair, France
- 1987: Temple Bar Gallery, Dublin, Ireland
- 1986: Centre Cultural L’Aerospatiale, Toulouse, France
- 1985: Lincoln Gallery, Dublin, Ireland
- 1985: Fendersky Art Gallery, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- 1980: Celtic Court Gallery, Dublin, Ireland
- 1978: Robinson Gallery, Dublin, Ireland
- 1977: Sachs Hotel, Dublin, Ireland
