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Monday, 15th July 2024

Richard Moore’s new exhibition at Droichead is a must-see

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Drogheda Artist Richard Moore at the opening of his exhibition "From Life" at the Droichead Arts Centre. Photos Andy Spearman.

By Andy Spearman

Artist Richard Moore is a familiar sight on the streets of Drogheda and in the lanes and byways of the surrounding countryside as he paints from life the scenes that inspire him so much.

Richard has been doing this work for well over 40 years but only rarely does he venture indoors to put his work on show and this week is one of those occasions.

His latest exhibition “From Life” opened in the Droichead Arts Centre on Saturday last and a visit is highly recommended. It is a must-see show and it runs until Saturday, August 17th .

Last Saturday’s exhibition opening drew a large attendance of art lovers, fellow artists, family and friends to the gallery and many old friendships were rekindled and tales of past adventures retold.

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Curator in residence at the Droichead Arts Centre, Dorothy Smith, told the gathering that the subject matter for majority of Richard’s work lies within a 20 mile radius of Drogheda and much of it is within walking distance of his home.

Richard is not one for public speaking but Ms Smith quoted him as telling her previously that his primary intention is not to document and record but to explore and to discover.

Curator in residence at the Droichead Arts Centre, Dorothy Smith (right), introduces Richard Moore’s exhibition “From Life” at the opening on Saturday. Centre of picture is Droichead Director Collette Farrell.

“I accept the fact that I don’t know anything about the landscape when I step into it. I let the landscape talk to me and I am very open to what it tells me” Richard says.

“It is only by spending the necessary time and looking closely that it starts to make sense and I begin to see what is there. It’s as if I a looking for the first time.”

The interplay of colour and light are evident in Moore’s work, especially in the lesser known corners of the Boyne valley that he loves so much.

Old friends and fellow artists Richard Moore (left) and Bobby Kelly at the opening of Richard's exhibition "From Life" in the Droichead Arts Centre.

Indeed, as Dorothy Smith points out, the River Boyne and the ancient burial grounds of Knowth, Dowth and Newgrange hold an abiding inspiration for Richard and he returns there time and time again, each time finding some new detail that fascinates him.

This fascination with Brú na Boinne is something he shares with his good friend Anthony Murphy with whom he co-wrote the book “Ireland of the setting Sun: In Search of Ireland’s Ancient Astronomers” which was published in 2006 by The Liffey Press and is currently in its third reprint.

If you’re in Drogheda town with some spare time, or if you’re looking for somewhere calming to spend your lunch hour, pop into the Droichead Arts Centre in Stockwell Street. They’re open from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm each day except Sunday and I’m sure they won’t mind if you bring a sandwich.

Writer Nicola Pierce (left) and Poet Emer Davis at the opening of Richard Moore's exhibition "From Life" at the Droichead Arts Centre.

  

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