Mayo artist Gus Lynott celebrated in major solo exhibition

SAY What You See, a remarkable solo exhibition by artist Gus Lynott, has opened in the Civic Offices in Ballina to general acclaim.

Over the past 35 years, the Ballina native has created an impressive and substantial continuum of work, primarily through painting and printmaking. However, over that time he has rarely exhibited, aside from in group shows in Mayo and its surrounds.

Gus lives with bipolar disorder, and his daily artistic practice is a reflection of the positive relationship that can exist between creativity and mental health.

The project was instigated and developed by Mayo-based artist Ian Wieczorek in association with Ballina Arts Centre and project co-curators, the art historian and founder member of Na Cailleacha, Catherine Marshall, and RHA director Patrick T. Murphy.

Project team leader Ian Wieczorek outlines the exhibition: “Like many of us, over the years I would have seen tantalising glimpses of Gus’s work in group shows in Mayo - the Mayo Artists Show, Ballina’s Perspectives exhibitions, the Claremorris Open Exhibition - but I was always left wanting to see more. It was only once the project took off that the extent of Gus’s back catalogue was revealed, both in terms of quantity and also quality.

“The works on display really are the tip of a remarkable creative iceberg.

“Gus is upfront about the fact that he lives with bipolar disorder. But it is important to recognise that Gus is not a person with bipolar disorder who makes art. Gus is an artist, and an impressive artist at that, who lives with bipolar disorder.

“His work is at times raw and forthright, sometimes uncomfortable and direct, but also subtle and eloquent and lyrical. His paintings are rich and considered, his line is assured and certain, as is his composition and use of colour. Look deeper and you will also discover a playfulness in the work, a subtle humour and a wonderful sense of improvisation.”

Say What You See comprises over 70 works in a variety of media. It represents just a small part of Lynott’s substantial oeuvre. However, it showcases the breadth of his creative practice and the richness and imagination of his artistic vision.

Finally, after over three decades, Gus Lynott’s creativity has earned the recognition it deserves.

Gus Lynott: Say What You See runs at Ballina Civic Offices (Arran Place, Ballina, F26 E5D7) until August 26. Opening hours are: Tuesday – Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. (NB: closed 1 to 2 p.m.). Also open Saturdays, July 29 and August 26 only, from 12 to 5 p.m.

The project has been supported by Mayo County Council, Creative Ireland Mayo, and Mental Health Ireland.

NB: Parent advisory. Please note that the work in this exhibition contains adult themes.