Lost and Foundis the title of painter Des Fox's new exhibition, a title that nicely reflects the largely urban flavour of the work. "Previously my work was mainly committed to landscape, but this time I wanted to capture some of the energy of the city," says the artist. "I had been in the city for a whole day drawing and that phrase just came to me. It seemed appropriate because it suggests objects and train stations and lost property offices."
But it also refers to emotions, experiences and ideas. In his introduction to the exhibition Fox writes that in these paintings "I wanted more than anything to express sincere human feeling." Is this a reaction to the irony and emotional distance of post-modernism? "Well I do believe we have lost huge tracts of sincerity, not just in Ireland but in the world. But it's also just that I wanted to capture directly what it is that makes me want to make images."
Speaking of driving, one of the most evocative paintings, heart of the night (above), is of the back of a car on a street, with reflections of the streetlights gleaming on the paintwork and glass. "It's ironic, actually, because I don't like cars," smiles Fox. "I'm a member of the Green Party. As far as I'm concerned, cars are history. But they are definitely part of our psyche."
Lost and Found is at the Wellesley Ashe Gallery, 25 South Frederick Street, Dublin 2, until May 31st. Call 01-6796439 for details. Cathy Dillon