A selection of still-life and interior-based paintings presenting particular aspects of Joe Dunne RHA work, will be on show in the RHA Ashford gallery. These compositions have emerged and evolved in two familiar settings; mainly the studio and interiors of his home in south Dublin, and to a lesser degree, the environment within the RHA Drawing School where he has held the position of Principal from 2011 to 2014. This significant involvement with the School re-emphasised the approach and discipline of painting stimulated by direct observation. The selected works were tackled in this way and perhaps this process promotes a more genuine and sometimes unexpected outcome.

Usually, the primary stimulus is the formal, abstract and poetic aspect. Sometimes the choice of subject, whether conscious or unconscious, admits other elements, so an awareness of meaning may enter the process or be perceived on viewing the finished work.

In this sense, the predominant aesthetic and approach is reminiscent of a haiku poem. The paintings express a way of looking at nature and life through everyday subjects and experience, whether beautiful or ugly, exalted or humble. They are not overtly metaphorical but instead encourage the viewer to just pause and take notice. Being modest in scale, the works offer a momentary insight into the essence of the ordinary, or at least call to mind such a moment.

Dunne was elected an Associate Member of the RHA in 2011 and became a full Member on election to the position of Principal of the RHA School of Drawing, which he held from 2011 to 2014.