Lee Shanahan – A Human Voice
A solo show of poetic and bold works from emerging Kilkenny painter Lee Shanahan
26.05.22 – 25.06.22
Unit 28, MacDonagh Junction, Hebron Rd, Highhays, Kilkenny
The Kilkenny Arts Office Emerging Curator Development Programme is delighted to announce a solo show of work by emerging Kilkenny artist, Lee Shanahan entitled A Human Voice. A recurring theme in Shanahan’s work is the exploration of the human being and the environment and surroundings in which one is set. This plays a major role in his current series of work. The paintings focus on interaction and relationship, subtle events placed in interior and exterior settings. He is drawn to communication and narrative in their most basic forms. Taking influence from his immediate surroundings in rural Kilkenny we are confronted with images without embellishment or unwanted distraction, images distilled into essential motifs.
The Kilkenny Arts Office Emerging Curator Sinéad Keogh states “Vulnerability, real vulnerability in modern contemporary art is a very rare trait indeed and it is Shanahan’s human voice that whispers confidently and sometimes shouts in his distinct practice. A Human Voice is a haunting and bold collection of work.”
You can find the official catalogue here.
You can find an audio tour of the exhibition here.
You can find a review by writer Darren Caffrey here. You can find more information about Caffrey here.
Additional public engagements:
A response workshop was held on the 28th of May with Kilkenny’s Older Generation to Lee’s exhibition resulting in a week long exhibition in John Green House Window Gallery of the works made. Special thanks to Mari O’Shea for her participation.
Upcoming: Saturday the 18th of June 2 – 3pm. A tactile tour designed for people who are blind and visually impaired. This is a tour using non – visual elements to engage with Lee’s work. All are welcome, no booking required.
Artist Bio
Lee Shanahan is an emerging painter based in Kilkenny. Lee has exhibited his work as part of Thomastown Creative Arts Festival 2018 & 2019. A graduate of Fine Art at Ormonde College where he received the Blackstack Studio Bursary Award 2019. Lee has participated in Postcards From The Edge 2021 exhibition in association with Limerick School of Art and Design and The Hunt Museum. Most recently has work published in ROPES Literary Journal 2021 and 2022. Coming later in year, Lee will have his visual artwork published on the cover of emerging poet Paddy Walsh’s debut collection. Lee is currently studying Fine Art Painting at Limerick School of Art and Design.
The official launch of A Human Voice will be the 26th of May at 6pm, all are welcome. The exhibition will be kindly opened by Mayor Andrew McGuinness and Kilkenny Arts Officer Mary Butler.
Opens the 26th of May to the 25th of June. Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10 – 5pm at Unit 28, MacDonagh Junction, Hebron Rd, Highhays, Kilkenny
A Human Voice is supplemented with an array of engagements to reach the expanded community including the NCBI and Kilkenny’s Older Generation. To discover more our website again soon and Kilkenny Arts Office social media. A Human Voice is kindly supported by Kilkenny County Council, the Kilkenny Arts Office, the Arts Council and MacDonagh Junction.
Instagram @leeshanahanart
The Kilkenny County Council Arts Office Emerging Curator Programme and Curator Sinéad Keogh is pleased to collaborate with our charity partner Amber Women’s Refuge for 2022. The mission of Amber Women’s Refuge is to empower women and children, of all cultures and backgrounds, to achieve their rights to live abuse-free lives. Please follow Amber at their official website here and on Instagram @amberwomensrefuge.
For Lee Shanahan’s A Human Voice we are selling select prints of Shanahan’s work with 50% of the profits to go to Amber. We also have leaflets of Amber Women’s Refuge in the gallery space if you or a friend or loved one would like some information.
