Local Armagh artist Frances McKenna has spent over 30 years showing her work across Ireland. Her painting, “Rainbow Forming over a Distant Navanfort, Armagh,” is inspired by the view from her own studio. The painting is now available as a signed, limited-edition print and can be bought online. The artwork brings together the subjects that run consistently through McKenna’s artwork, which include the landscape around her home and the beauty in nature that will soon pass.
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Frances McKenna’s Local Artwork
McKenna graduated from the University of Ulster with a qualification in Fine Art Painting. She’s also exhibited at various events throughout Ireland. Her work has been acquired by The Irish News, Ulster Television, and the Department of the Environment. She’s also won a number of awards, including first place at the Bass Ireland Award ceremony.
The landscape of her home in Armagh is a constant source of inspiration. Rather than trying to paint the view, she uses texture and colour to convey how the moment felt at the time. Her painting, “Rainbow Forming Over a Distant Navanfort, Armagh”, helps to showcase how beautiful the local area really is. As rainbows disappear within minutes, it’s a significant piece that helps to preserve the beauty of nature and Armagh. The signed and limited edition giclée artwork is 20 x 24 inches.
The Significance of McKenna’s Painting
A recent Arts Council survey found that 83% of people had attended at least one art event in the last year. Financial support has a huge part to play here, as government backing has resulted in €380 million being allocated to ensure that new artists are given the opportunities they deserve.
Cities like Dublin and Belfast specifically have embraced public street art, with renowned artists like Maser and Conor Harrington contributing their talents. Initiatives like The Walls Project also help to bring permanent artwork to neighbourhoods across the nation, and key venues like the Irish Museum of Modern Art host exhibitions that blend traditional themes with more contemporary elements.
As there’s such a spotlight on art right now, more attention is being paid to local artists and their work. One thing that makes McKenna’s print stand out so much is the significance of the rainbow in the modern age. For many, the rainbow colours are a symbol of inclusivity and diversity. In Greek and Roman mythology, Iris, a messenger, travels between the divine world and the human world via a rainbow.
In 1939’s The Wizard of Oz, a rainbow serves as a metaphor for a different life. Irish folklore draws on rainbows quite a lot too. Leprechauns use rainbows as a way to hide their pots of gold. In iGaming, the Rainbow Riches bingo title features colourful imagery, as well as leprechauns and gold coins, paying homage to Irish mythology and culture.
Interestingly, McKenna’s painting can be interpreted in so many ways, because one person may see hope, as a rainbow often forms after a heavy rainstorm, and others may think of it as a symbol of inclusivity. Some may even be reminded of Ireland’s history, and the fact that it’s a painting of Armagh in particular may be significant to those who take pride in their local area.
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