Wicklow Artists Exhibit in Dubai

The Courtyard gallery in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Attracta Ryan, Francis Tansey and Andrew Manson are presenting a selection of their works. The exhibition, titled 'Contemporary Irish Art in Dubai', runs for one week beginning Sunday, April 22nd. Dubai is in the United Arab Emirates and is located at the southern end of the Persian Gulf. The exhibition and the travel costs of the exhibition - particularlyshipping the paintings- have been generously sponsored by Emirates Sky Cargo, the Dubai Irish Society and the Arts Council.

Attracta Ryan, originally from Sligo, lives and works at the Ballyrogan Arts Centre in Redcross. She says that, growing up in the west of Ireland she developed a strong sense of tradition. "I realised the importance of culture as the means of bridging the gaps between generations". Attracta's premier work is the intricate 'Celtic Knot', which forms the theme of a series.

Celtic Knot: by Attracta Ryan

Attracta's husband Andrew Manson describes his work as "Pure bright colour-field works in which simple shapes hang in space, therein, landscapes and realisic snatches intrude. They are on their way to being abstracted or included in a larger piece." He also sees a cultural aspect to his paintings. "Culture has always trancended time and boundaries and abstract painting can open a window to the inner being without words or explanations".

The artists are due home next week after what will surely be one of their most exciting and interesting exhibitions.