A weekend of exciting Openings

Written By Maria Noonan-McDermott

As one door closes, another opens!

My exhibition in Leitrim Design House ended after its long stint (during lockdown) on the Artwall, but the next few weeks promises to be an exciting, action packed time of online and physical Openings. Woohoo!

In-spire Galerie, Dublin, launched their official online Opening of 'Savage' last weekend. A large group exhibition representing local and international artists from all across the globe, showcasing an eclectic mix of artworks produced during lockdown.

Savage exhibition Video

Hambly & Hambly at Dunbar House in Enniskillen, also launched their major group exhibition, 'Arts Unlocked' with over 150 artists, worldwide, getting together. This amazing group of artists connected through the 'Imagine' online project, and it’s their first time joining forces in the physical gallery space together. The exhibition encomposes visual art, sculpture, literature and music, so a feast for the senses.

I am delighted to have my work included alongside so many other wonderful creative people.
The exhibition will continue until the beginning of November, so you will have lots of opportunities to go see it.

Viewing by appointment for health and safety reasons.

Arts Unlocked at Hambly & Hambly Catalogue

My heartfelt thanks to Curator, Dino Notaro from In-spire Galerie and Curators, Ciara Hambly, Noelle Mc Alinden from Hambly & Hambly and Sinead Smyth and Andy Smyth from made in Trenbania.  .


Dark Skies.jpg

‘Dark Skies’

Savage Group Exhibition

In-spire Galerie, Dublin

'After the Storm'.jpg

‘After the Storm’

Arts Unlocked Exhibition

Hambly & Hambly at Dunbar House, Enniskillen.

Maria Noonan-McDermott

Irish Artist Maria Noonan-McDermott Bio


Originally from Donegal, Irish artist and poet Maria Noonan McDermott now lives and works from her studio in Kinlough, Co. Leitrim.


Heavily influenced by the impressionist movement, her work focuses on the study of light and form in Irish landscapes.

With a love of folklore and story-telling, Noonan McDermott's influences lie in rural Ireland, it is in these magical places that share a colloquial history where stories and the people are often ingrained into the landscape.


I began my artistic career in Dublin in 1985 and qualified in Fashion and Design. I returned to college and completed a certificate in visual education before continuing on to study Fine Art. In the year 1990, I had my first solo exhibition of paintings. The feedback and encouragement I received helped direct me on my current path.


My work has always been influenced by a deep connection with the natural environment, the beautiful rugged Irish landscape with its endlessly changing skies and dramatic seas. I am equally fascinated by the people that the land holds so tightly and am firmly bound in kinship with their poetic writing, their stories and soulful lyrics.


I've always been in awe of the storyteller, those gifted people who so fluidly guide you into their fantasy worlds, who submerge you so deeply, you cry, laugh and often seethe with anger and frustration. To me, this is true magic, possessing the rare skill of creating something from nothing, evoking such passion and emotion.


Growing up I found words didn't come so easily to me, art and writing became my outlet. I was transformed into the 'Cailleach Feasa', the storyteller. I recorded and recollected all the tales from times gone by, breathing life back into places and quirky characters I met along the way.


I was raised in a small village in Donegal and like most small communities in Ireland, it was filled with the most amazing characters.


As a child, my head was filled with fantastical stories told and dramatised by neighbours and family, the gatekeepers of local history. These tales, were, of course, exaggerated and embellished with such fun and gusto, like only true Irish seanchai can, that I couldn't help growing up with a great love of the people around me and all their fascinating antics.


In my work, I narrate the stories with colour and humour as over the years they've formed and shaped in my memory.
My paintings become the text and you the reader and as the reader, you are challenged to participate and choose your own journey. Thus, enabling the story to live all over again!


This attachment is ingrained in my work and I strive to bring forth its warmth in the most honest and pure way I know how.

https://www.marianoonan-mcdermott.com
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Online Exhibition @Imagine
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‘Savage’ at In-spire Galerie Dublin