Progressing themes that originated in Niall Naessens’ exhibition at the National Gallery of Ireland, inspired by J.M.W. Turner, Graphic Studio Gallery is delighted to present The Last Man in Europe, an exhibition of new work by the artist.

Naessens’ new work depicts West Kerry, where he lives, as well as West Donegal, a place he has identified with since childhood. These images, that have been sourced from observation, are embellished with memory, dream and invention.

He admits an interest in Romanticism: ‘The figures in my work express our emotional connection with the sublime natural world.’

In many the human figure integrates with the landscape.  Providing a sense of scale, these figures autobiographically reference the artist, wandering and exploring rugged coastal terrain.  They simultaneously bring the viewer to these vantage points, drawing us into the feeling of being in nature.

Widely regarded as one of Ireland’s foremost artist printmakers, this exhibition presents a comprehensive survey of Naessens’ new output.  The etchings show a traditional master at work, whilst his editioned digital drawings demonstrate his capacity to innovate and embrace new technologies.

The artist wishes to acknowledge the support of Ealaín na Gaeltachta and Kerry County Council, in the creation of his new work.