This exhibition of paintings and mixed-media sculptures by Bennie Reilly draws on her interest in museum collections, natural history, and her own interactions with the natural world. Her paintings stem from an ever growing archive of personal photographs, while her sculptural works combine bric-à-brac and natural artefacts collected over many years. Together, these artworks celebrate the oddities and allure of nature and its positive impact on our well-being.

The title derives from graffiti Reilly saw in a derelict hut overlooking a scenic salt lake in Formentera: “Follow your dream.” Initially amused by the cliché, she photographed the scene and later pinned it up in her Dublin studio. Was this a portal to whimsical, relaxing memories? Perhaps, but she succumbed to using this throwaway mantra as a permission of sorts: encouraging her to accept her instinct. It is difficult to be an artist without developing pre-conceived notions of what your art should be, and such personalised conventions can inhibit intuition. When Reilly applied the idea of following her dream, it acted as a net to catch a wide variety of ideas and scenes.

Beachcombing, exploration and travel are integral to Reilly’s practice and are pleasures she values deeply at a time when many have lost such basic privileges and freedom.

Bennie Reilly graduated from the Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Dún Laoghaire and has exhibited widely in Ireland and abroad. Her work is held in public and private collections, including The Office of Public Works State Art Collection, The Arts Council of Ireland, the HSE, Fingal County Council, and Butler Gallery. She is supported by The Arts Council of Ireland Bursary Award and the Thomas Dammann Junior Memorial Trust Award.

Explore our Gallery Learning Programme for workshops, tours, and art-making opportunities. Details at dlrcoco.ie/arts.