They came from Limerick, Liverpool and lovely Baltimore. No distance was too far to travel to view the latest work of Coilin Murray. The Hallward Gallery in Dublin's Merrion Square was packed to capacity for the opening of Murray's latest exhibition. He and his wife, Rosie Murray, were there to welcome their friends. Helen Hoare, who opened the show, arrived with her husband, Donal Hoare, from Baltimore, in Co Cork.
Murray is a founder member of the West Cork Arts Centre and is co-ordinator of the annual Living Landscape exhibition. He was awarded the Oireachtas Print Award in 1982 and the Cartwright Hall Award in the 9th British International Print Biennial.
Also at the opening was art lover Ciaran MacGonigal. Belfast artist, Clement McAleer, who is based in Liverpool, came along to catch up too. Artist Charles Harper came from Limerick. Jackie Stanley and Campbell Bruce were also present.
One work which caught the eye was Adam and Eve (or The Big Kiss Theory). Altar for Adolescence is another one to study, according to Helen Hoare, who instructed all worried parents to take a look. The show runs until tomorrow week.