Munster Express
2nd August 2002
Liam Murphy

Both Joan Clancy Gallery and Old Market House have summer exhibitions. The Clancy Gallery show is called Cois Farraige which is very apt. It's attractiveness is, new brighter work from Michael Mulcahy. Five of them are self portraits and three are jokey heads on bright orange, pink and yellow backgrounds and they have a Warhol, pop art vibe about them. Two larger self-portraits have a more feminine feel about them. However two large Oil on Marine-ply Cosmic Dance are disciplined and powerful swirls of colour, emotion and energy, but the asking prices of E12,700 is cosmic too.

Danny Cunningham has three Oils on Canvas, Wishy Martin has a small canvas and Roisin Ní Chionnfhaolaidh has colourful Acid Etched Glass work.

Rayleen Clancy has one piece only in this show and as you go up the staircase it's in your face with strong images in oils. Adult heads on teen-age bodies and a clever texting title Getn Redy 4D Disco. Two Brid Ní Chionnfhaolaidh, Mixed media on canvas have the wonderful clutter and activity of boats in a harbour. Very attractive and very affordable.

But it is two Oils on Canvas by Blawnin Clancy that stood me in my tracks. The Swimmer has lots of vortex energy of a swimmer in a rock pool or inlet. Sliderock Arizona is pure summer with lots of bathers and young people relaxing in a setting that bristles with interest and detail.

Make an afternoon of it in Dungarvan and Helvick.