Niall Leavy, who is a native of Mullingar.

Leavy brings new style to Chimera Gallery

Mullingar artist Niall Leavy has built a strong reputation, nationally and international for his very distinctive vibrant and uplifting small squares.

Over the last four years in particular his art has gone down a storm at international shows in major cities around the world including Milan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Stockholm, Edinburgh, a number of times in London, twice in New York City and at the prestigious SOFA exhibition in Chicago.

From this Saturday September 1, Mullingar’s Chimera Gallery will host Niall’s fourth solo exhibition and his first solo in Mullingar. The show will be the first presentation of a series of new paintings featuring Niall’s new style, which has been the focus of his work in the studio since late last year. The show will open with a reception at 6pm, and will run until September 15.

Using his background in psychology and coaching to help shape his works, Niall creates contemporary, fresh, vibrant pieces which light up any room. His focus on capturing flow and harmony, balanced with his attention to order and detail, give an insight into the artist that is driven by positivity and energised by colour.

Dave O’Shea of the Chimera Gallery says: “We are delighted to have a Mullingar native such as Niall with the gallery.

“Over the last number of years we have tracked his success as he has firmly developed and established a distinctive style with his colour-rich and exquisitely-presented small squares.

“We are particularly delighted that the Chimera Gallery will showcase the first collection of Niall’s new style and work. It is different, but I have no doubt that this body of work, with its strong personal stamp, underlying themes tapping into psychology of strengths and positivity, and its exceptional execution, are positioning Niall for an exciting new chapter in his rising art career.”

In talking about his new style and work Niall says: “I wanted to create something that was modern and visually impactful and yet spoke directly to the core inspiration of my work for over 10 years now - positivity!

“I draw influences from a wide range of sources such as Op Art, Bridget Riley, Damien Hirst, Ian Davenport, Rudolf Stingel, Patrick Scott and Chinese artist Zao Wou-Ki, but all the time working to create my own very distinctive style.

“In my paintings I aim to capture the different elements that go to create great and positive moments in our lives. I’m really happy with the move towards capturing increased intensity and purity of colour in my work, reflecting the importance of appreciating of each ingredient that goes to make up really great moments.”

• Niall Leavy’s Solo Exhibition ‘Clarity’ runs from Saturday September 1 to September 15 in the Chimera Gallery, Oliver Plunkett Street, Mullingar.