Kildare Street’s Taylor Galleries were a hive of activity last night for a private viewing of artist Michael Mulcahy’s latest exhibition, ‘Mulcahy at 70’, which was organized especially for President Michael D Higgins.
However, the announcement of the event must have spread among the art community as at least two dozen excited visitors poured in to marvel at the Cork-born painter’s latest collection.
Mulcahy, affectionately called “Mick” by those close to him, has been a friend of President Higgins for many years and illustrated two collections of poems that the president published.
Regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest contemporary artists, “Mick” Mulcahy’s latest 33 painting collection includes works ranging in size from 15cm x 15cm to an 8 x 12ft masterpiece. While each painting shines with its signature use of vibrant colors, which Mulcahy embodied in a bright purple suit and yellow paint-splashed Croc sandals.
Mulcahy’s partner of 10 years Vera Whelan said “he works every day” and the painter explained what drives his seemingly inexhaustible work ethic.
“The celebration of life. It’s that simple and to spread joy and color. So many people are stuck in an everyday reality,” he said.
“Anyone can paint. For example, my father started painting when he was 80. I say daddy, ‘you love the sea and the sky’. He said: ‘what am I going to paint?’. I said, ‘You only paint what you like’ and we sat down in a ditch and looked at the sky and he painted it his own way and the pleasure he got from it and the pleasure of giving paintings to his friends.
“Anyone can paint. We don’t all become Picasso, but it’s your personal touch. It’s about having the confidence to do it.”
Mulcahy has traveled extensively around the world, including a year in a Buddhist monastery in 1989, and these experiences influence his work to this day, according to President Higgins.
“It has all the technical achievements it has plus a whole new spiritual understanding. There is so much in it in terms of the life journey that Michael has been [on],” he said.
“There is an originality to it. All risks are taken in this. There are personal risks that are extraordinary as an artist. The work will be one of the most remembered works, decisive. Some of us will see an evocation of images from previous work, but what you have is a top-notch artist finish in relation to line and transition between the images.”
A chance meeting with then Irish Ambassador to South Korea Richard Ryan led to Mulcahy spending a year in a Buddhist monastery, where he studied with the monk painter Suan Sunim.
Mr Ryan said some of the pieces in ‘Mulcahy at 70’ have “echoes” of his time in East Asia.
“He’s always looking for spiritual inspiration and I think South Korea played a big part in that,” he said.
“I think this exhibition is almost a revival of lazareth. It’s fantastic, this exhibition brings a whole vitality to what are central and personal characteristics; a very strong use of colors that don’t belong to him but magically suit him, that work perfectly, shapes and structures and then come through is a deep spiritualism. You couldn’t tell what religion it is, but they are deeply spiritual.
“All in all, I think those components bring back to us an absolutely magical vision of the painter.”
Mr Mulcahy spends most of his time in his workshop near the town of Wexford, which is built in a converted 300 year old barn.
That’s according to his partner Vera, who said the surrounding countryside is a source of endless inspiration for both of them.
Michael Mulcahy and partner Vera Whelan
When asked by an audience member what his favorite piece is, Mr. Mulcahy replied, “The next one.” Ms. Whelan said this answer sums up his personality and principles.
“He never picks one style that sells for the market, he feels that would sell his creativity. He loves the freedom to do what comes from the source of creativity in him.
“So he always anticipates his next painting.”
She added: He is completely loyal, completely true to the true source of creativity in him. I’m really proud of him.”
Mulcahy was also “deeply honored” by Mr. Higgins’ presence, saying that he is currently writing poetry and quipped, “I hope he will do some drawings for me.”
At age 70 and with no intention of slowing down, Mulcahy said the public can expect “Mulcahy at 80,” and “90 and 100” in ten years’ time.