"Andanje" Nouvo penti ak enprime pa atis Kildare Mary McGrath

“My artwork invites the viewer to be aware of their surroundings. To give nature a chance
to recover. To appreciate and cherish our ecosystem’s survivors and realise that we can
all make a positive difference.”

“Conservation of Art & Nature have been two constant inspirations during my career.  Now, as I indulge my love of painting, my passion for biodiversity and conservation of our natural world continues to imbue my work.

My art is an attempt to highlight nature’s beauty, the importance of retaining and encouraging wildlife habitats and what can be lost if we don’t.  This exhibition is my effort to raise awareness and start a conversation. Horses, Rare breeds, & Biodiversity are the subject matter of my paintings and drawings.

My work invites the viewer to be aware of their surroundings. To give nature a chance to recover. To appreciate and cherish our ecosystem’s survivors and realise that we can all make a positive difference.  Working in oils, print and watercolours I aim to depict the variety and variability of Irish wildlife and the richness of our native animals and birds which have survived despite intensive farming, habitat destruction and the demands of industry.

While my art conservation career took me to cities around the world, my roots called me home to Kildare. In Ireland, through my affection for the Irish Draught Horse and the Connemara Pony, I developed a keen interest in native breeds and biodiversity, joining the Irish Native Rare Breed Society.   I was part of a team that re-established the Kerry Bog pony – a rare, small, native Irish breed which had almost become extinct. This led to the breed being recognised by the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine and the EU. This also inspired me to write and publish two books: The Irish Draught Horse and The Kerry Bog Pony.  Spending time on my smallholding during lockdown reminded me of what we have already lost, many hares and skylarks, bees, and ladybirds. The curlew has long since gone. “

Mary McGrath  2023.

Contact: info@kilcockartgallery.ie for further information re this wonderful exhibition on Biodiversity.

Wine reception 30th September 3pm. The exhibition continues into October.