Pictures in "PETER PEARSON: 'Towns & Tides'"

22 Nov 2007 - 31 Dec 2007

An exhibition of 30 new paintings by the talented Wexford-based artist and architectural historian opened on Thursday 22nd November to words of praise by fellow historian, Eithne Scallan.
Entitled 'Towns & Tides', the show reflects Pearson's fascination with rivers, the sea and the built environment.
From Cahirciveen and Ballinskelligs, (Pearson was recently awarded a studio retreat at Cill Rialig Artists' Village), to Arklow Lightship. From Butt Bridge, Dublin, down through Bray, Wicklow Harbour, New Ross and of course, many scenes of Wexford's quayside, coast and the river Slaney there are subjects to interest everyone.
Several nocturnes and wintry scenes give a seasonal flavour to the collection. As often before, Pearson's landscapes are reflective and romanticised with titles like 'Silver Liffey', 'Purple Prose: The Wexford Quays', and 'Morning Song: Dublin Bay'. Like William Turner's famous 'Fighting Temeraire' these works show a love of heritage ('Abandoned Lobster Farm') but also embrace change and the future ('Awaiting the new Theatre Royal'). Cranes, ferries, buses, trains traversing the Slaney, cars in convoy, always something is happening; tempus fugit.

Pearson's oil painting style has a light touch and captures movement and atmosphere even when the subject is heavy industrial plant. The exhibition runs until the end of December and viewing is strongly recommended.