| A Colourful Conscience By Priscilla
Pollara
Artist Kate Hennessy is an inspiration to us all. Set to present her
exhibition The Voyage of Maeldun at London’s Air Gallery on November 29,
the Limerick lady chats with Priscilla Pollara about her love of colour
and culture and her attempts to aid the less fortunate through a paintbrush.
Kate Hennessy’s paintings are a passport to another world. The vibrancy
captured within the lucid colours render the image being painted alive and
tangible.
In 1970, Hennessy’s ‘colour sense’ was described as being ‘extremely
subtle’. And glancing at her contemporary painting Lady Drinking Wine, it’s
clear that little has changed from this first impression. In it, nature
envelops the lady in a pool of midnight blues and earthy greens, immersing
the viewer into an intense exploration of colour.
Having studied at the Limerick School of Art, Hennessy went on to teach
art in Dublin, Kilkenny and Limerick while continuing to paint and exhibit
her own personal work.
Throughout her career, showcasing her paintings to the public has been
central.
She’s appeared in more than 15 solo shows and a multitude of group and
‘two-person’ exhibitions. And she loves nothing more than the journey she
takes in creating these paintings with an audience.
Set to open her most recent and biggest exhibition to date in London
— a first for Hennessy and her art — the Irish artist is duly excited.
She names Goldfish by Henri Matisse as one of her favourite paintings.
Interestingly, the sharp use of colour, which brings the simple image of
a fish to life, is an attribute often found in Hennessy’s works. In fact,
the main protagonist in each of her paintings is colour and the shades chosen
belong exclusively to the image being created.
Not surprisingly, given the international influence of her paintings,
Hennessy’s greatest ambitions lie with wanting to travel the world. With
influences from her homeland, the Mediterranean and African countries, Hennessy
explores the cultural diversity of other worlds in her work.
‘Philippine Weeding’, ‘Lane Marrakesh’ and ‘Greek House’ are but a collection
of works that portray her pleasure in exploring and recreating that which
is different and original.
All ‘sketched on working trips’, it’s obvious that Hennessy is no ordinary
tourist. Seeing beyond the mundane ‘photograph’, the mental images she takes
away from her journeys consequently become the central focus of an effusion
of colour and emotion.
And her talents don’t end there. A few years ago, Hennessy became involved
with Doras Luimni, a voluntary group in Limerick who aid refugees and asylum
seekers. After teaching English for a while, she set up an art workshop
for this group, claiming that “art can be very therapeutic and healing in
helping people to move on from the horrors of their backgrounds”.
“It’s located in the basement of the Augustinian Church in Limerick and
the scheme has attracted locals as well as other foreigners to socialise,
cook and eat native food. But most importantly, it provides the ability
for them to be free and enjoy their time as they wait to hear the outcome
of their state applications.
“Integration is a problem for many Irish people, as we have no experience
of different cultures,” says Hennessy.
But as far as being an artist is concerned, the Limerick lady, has never
had any doubts: “One is born an artist. There was no question about what
I loved to do even from a very early age,” she says plainly.
Hennessy invites her audience on another journey in her artistic career,
this time to London. The Voyage of Maeldun, her exhibition at The Air Gallery
in London, which runs from November 29 until December 3 promises to be a
dive into Hennessy’s culturally vibrant palette and an exploration of her
unique, spontaneous art.
Artist Kate Hennessy offered herself up for the rí-rá grilling — revealing
her favourite works of art, her belief in Karma and her travel ambitions.
What was the last album you bought?
Ecstasy by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. I hope someone will give me Kate Bush’s
new one for Christmas, I’m an old fan of hers.
What was the last film you watched?
Girl with a Pearl Earring was the most memorable film I saw during the
last year. I can’t remember the most recent one — it was some arty one in
the Limerick Film society.
What is your favourite TV programme?
Globe Trekker, because I would love to travel the world.
Who would be the first person you would invite to your birthday party?
Michael Palin, in case he’d care to take me with him (although he says
he’s giving up travel).
The key to making it as an artist?
Although I’m not sure if I’ve made it yet, the key has to be perseverance
and self-belief through thick and thin — and being able to take knocks and
rejections in one’s stride.
Best personal experience?
Giving birth to my twin daughters Anna and Nora 21 years ago, two beautiful
babies for the price of one.
If you weren’t pursuing this career what other profession would you have
chosen? Interior Designer.
What’s your greatest ambition?
To visit India, Iran and China, in that order. I have learnt some Farsi
(Iranian language) from a refugee in Limerick and can write my name in it.
Favourite method of relaxation?
Shoes off, feet up, comfortable chair or sofa, open fire, bottles of
red wine, good pals talking, laughing and listening to interesting music
with a bite of tasty food in the kitchen.
The most important lesson life has taught you?
Karma. How you treat others is how you will be treated yourself. What
you put out always comes back.
What’s your favourite tipple?
Vodka (Irish measure) with white lemonade, lots of ice and lemon.
What’s your greatest extravagance?
Buying Vogue, Interiors and glossy art magazines, which are more expensive
in Ireland.
How would you like to be remembered?
As one who enjoyed her life, her friends, and who was kind to others.
What is your favourite smell?
Lavender.
And your favourite word/phrase?
“Life’s too short to worry about that.”
Weirdest job you’ve ever had?
Sorting postage stamps for a philatelist.
First exhibition you went to?
The Irish Artists’ Winter Exhibition which was held annually in the City
Gallery, Pery Square, Limerick.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
A choir singing llegri’s Miserere at full volume.
Three works of art you’d most like to have created? Goldfish by Henri
Matisse, The Jewish Bride by Rembrandt von Rijn and Any Still Life with
Apples by Paul Cezanne.
Best career move?
I am not ready to make it just yet, as I hope to live to be a healthy
100. But the best career move any artist can make is to die. Then if he
or she is any good, the supply is ended, the prices go up and dealers make
a killing. Vincent van Gogh only sold one painting to his brother in his
entire life for the equivalent of £5, now his work is priceless.
I find this fact very sad, that is why I am bringing my show to London
so I can make my name while I can still enjoy it! So please all come and
see my exhibition!
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