31 Aug 2017 – 13 Oct 2017
Solstice Arts Centre, Railway Street, Navan, Meath

‘Simulations’, an exhibition of new paintings by Seán Molloy at Solstice Arts Centre, involves the construction of a series of capriccio-inspired landscape works that make tangential references to ancient topographical features associated with the county of Meath. While encompassing some of the more identifiable characteristics of this landscape (rich pastoral scenery, idyllic trees in full leaf, the picturesque remains of castles and follies), Molloy also introduces a set of anachronistic elements to these pictures that serve to both counteract and reinforce traditional approaches to documenting a sense of place. These elements take the form of features drawn from architectural archives, Dutch ‘Golden Age’ landscapes and over-painted abstract designs and optical devices.

The resulting oil paintings on canvas and panel are carefully considered compilations, amalgamations of landscapes half-remembered from the real world and various versions of it that exist in representational Western art. Curated by Sabina Mac Mahon, the exhibition is accompanied by two workshops in drawing and watercolour lead by Seán Molloy on Saturday 9 September 2017.

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Seán Molloy studied at the University of Brighton and Glasgow School of Art before graduating from the National College of Art & Design, Dublin with a BA in Fine Art (Painting) in 2011 and an MFA in 2013. Recent exhibitions include Pallas Projects 20 Year Benefit Auction, City Assembly House, Dublin (2016); Neo Pentimenti, Ashford Gallery, RHA, Dublin; Disrupting Reality, Spectrum Artists’ Studios, Belfast (2015); and the RHA Annual Exhibition (2013-17). Molloy’s work is included in the collections of Fingal County Council, de Blacam & Meagher Architects, AXA Insurance and the State Art / OPW Collection. He lives and works in Dublin. seanmolloy.ie