Hi there pals,,

So this is an exciting week for me as I prepare to head off to Gstaad Switzerland to participate in ARTSFEMINs inaugural exhibition $€XY (Secure, Enthusiastic,  Exponential and Young at heart) at the luxurious Huss_Gstaad, a stunning location in this rich and famous ski resort. 

This is an all female, curated show highlighting the issues concerning equality within the arts world globally, supporting female artists and global charity: Women for Women International.   I am attending the show to exhibit a huge new work (1 meter x 1 meter) a mixed media/acrylic art work called SAFEHOUSE, I created especially for this exhibit, as I usually work in wax this really is a large scale work for me, and I've got to be honest I loved working this way, working large suits me, its so physical and expressive, I really dived in! 

I have the great pleasure to travel with, and show alongside of Irish visual artists and colleagues, Miriam Fitzgerald Juskova and Fran Halpin and 52 other curated artists from 35 countries. 

As we in 'Team Ireland', as we call ourselves, prepares to depart for what is no doubt going to be a remarkable experience it hasn't escaped my notice that today is a landmark date for the #metoo movement, Harvey W was convicted today in the US...

Between the #MarriageEquality referendum and the #Repeal the 8th referendum here in Ireland a lot of feeling was dragged up for all genders everywhere, followed quickly by the revelations from Hollywood and of course our own appalling history of clerical and state controlled abuse against women and children, #metoo started to unfurl here on our own green soil...and indeed from my studio. 

My feminist principles often flood into my work and SAFEHOUSE is no different.

I hope in some small way to offer a respite of hope through this work, a piffle really when you consider the scale of abuses against women and girls, but a gesture none the less...and a warning to antagonists everywhere...we wont take it anymore, we are strong, we are one, we talk, we are on to you! 

SAFEHOUSE is not an 'angry' work, nor is it anti men, as is often argued when feminist talk comes to the surface.  It is, in fact, a work of art full of hope, one that offers support to all! and after the exhibition launch this weekend when it is premiered, as promised, to the vip vernissage in the wonderful supportive and inclusive hands of Artsfemin I promise I will share the full artwork here.

For now all I can offer is a sneak peek, some press coverage and some prior fem-art works form my studio ...wish me well, I do you.  xx N

Ps: If you wish to join us in Gstaad for this amazing event, follow the registration link in the Artsfmin page here.
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 Hi friends,

I know it's hard to believe it's the middle of April already and so much has happened not least I had some postcards in the Incognito sale for Jack and Jill, at the fabulous Solomon gallery in Dublin.

https://www.solomonfineart.ie/

It is for such a wonderful cause, Jonathan Irwin and his family started the charity to honour baby Jack Irwin and to provide much needed assistance in helping the families of children with neurological difficulties. Sponsored by William Fry Solicitors, this is the third year incognito has run at the glorious Solomon Gallery , the sale in Dublin is now over however it is due to run in Cork shortly.

The irony for me is, as somebody who worked in William Frys on a six-month contract as a law Clerk with the fabulous Debbie, in the very early days of my administration career, this is a full circle acknowledgement of my career change & life cycle. Good huh! Now if you are familiar with my work, especially my print series #shapeoflife you may well easily spot my contributions...if you get to t.ake home one of mine DO let me know, its always fun to find where the work ends up and .. enjoy!

All funds from the sales of these artworks go directly to the Jack and Jill foundation so I would encourage you to watch out for the sale due to start shortly in the Lavit Gallery Cork....follow the link x N.

https://www.jackandjill.ie/

​https://www.williamfry.com/newsandinsights/news-article/2019/03/05/paul-costelloe-officially-launches-incognito-a-secret-art-sale-in-aid-of-jack-jill

Exhibition VenuesLAVIT GALLERY, CORK – 17-18 May
Sale starts on 17 May, 10am – 7pm  | 18 May, 10am – 4pm
(Preview – 16th of May, 10am – 5pm)