'Bressie' opens George Naughton's art exhibition at Anam Gallery
George Naughton, left front, pictured at his first solo art exhibition at Anam Art Gallery, Roscommon Town, pictured here with his brother, Isaac and Niall Breslin (Bressie) of The Blizzards fame, who launched the exhibition. Also in picture are Paula and Padraic Naughton with Jane Walsh curator and Rita Oates, proprietor Anam Art Gallery, who were presented with bouquets of flowers. Pic. Gerard O’Loughlin
‘Being’ showcases George’s powerful work and is sure to inspire, uplift and stir the emotions in all that come to visit.
One of the goals of the Anam Gallery is to have an annual youth exhibition and George Naughton is the first. George will is exhibiting his series: ‘Mountains of Thought, Being Free, Walking Our Own Path, Oceans’.
One of George's many talents is the manner in which he illustrates how art can open our hearts and minds to finding our truths and expressing ourselves. But he also shows us how to enjoy, experiment and be free…free to choose …free to live... dree to be oneself.
Despite living with a catastrophic and terminal muscle-wasting illness, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, George has found a way to express his thoughts and feelings through art. When he was 12, his older brother Archie died of the same illness. George, understandably, struggled to express his profound loss, fear and grief.
With the support of local artist Rita, Oates George (13) began attaching words and titles to his art. It quickly became apparent that George was processing his grief and struggles through this work. The collection of pieces being exhibited is unique, thought-provoking and filled with hope.
They challenge the viewer to reach their own interpretation/conclusions, whilst sharing the central theme that we are entitled to our own thoughts; it is ok to feel sad, lost or alone; that we must all strive to follow our own path; to share our own unique story; to be our own person but never forget that we are all connected and valued.
George invited Niall Breslin to open the exhibition as he is aware of Niall's enormous contribution to the national and international conversation regarding mental health. The charity ‘Lust for Life’ founded by Niall, continues to provide an invaluable resource and support for young people in Ireland and beyond. It empowers young people “to be effective guardians of their own mind – and to be the leaders that drive our society towards a better future”.
George dedicated his whole exhibition to his inspirational big brother Archie and gave a powerful speech , emotionally supported on every word by his twin brother Isaac by his side. To mark the occasion George presented Bressie with one of his pieces.
