Belfast artist Anna McKeever merges light, mythology, legend and landscape in her latest collection, Solas

Following the success of her second solo exhibition I Brought You Flowers this past summer, contemporary Irish artist Anna McKeever has unveiled her new collection of work, Solas, which will remain open to the public until 16th December.

This collection of eleven oil-on canvas paintings explores the influence of ancient Celtic beliefs and mythology in the context of the modern Irish landscape. The pieces combine to form a fascinating hybrid of ancient Irish mythology within a modern, vibrant landscape of colour and texture. Anna draws inspiration from pagan beliefs that recognised the profound importance of light through her own signature style.

“Solas is the Irish word for light, brightness and enlightenment. The Celts recognised the sun in particular as a powerful deity representing life, warmth and vitality. It was believed to have a direct impact on the fertility of the land, crops and livestock.”

From the ancient site of Newgrange, to the Mourne Mountains and Carrauntoohil, this collection explores the literal and ethereal effects of light on place and time, legend and myth. Explaining the inspiration behind her new exhibition Anna said:

“The driving force behind this collection came from my own fascination with Irish mythology. I grew up listening to stories of Tír na nÓg and the Children of Lir. I’ve always connected with ancient pagan beliefs that respected the land and the seasons - in particular the recognition of light as a divine presence.”

“I love the symbolism in Irish mythology: the swan symbolised light and purity. The Children of Lir were doomed to live as swans, and only in the light of a full moon could they take their human form. The white horse was revered as a divine and magical creature, often depicted surrounded by a haze of light; she symbolised purity, fertility, bravery, and transcendence. She was the passageway for individuals to cross into the Otherworld, such as Tír na nÓg (The Land of the Young).”

A Belfast-based artist with a growing reputation across Ireland and internationally, Anna’s work is immediately recognisable. In this collection she seamlessly blends ancient mythological themes with contemporary colour and texture. Celtic symbols are etched into the work itself, and the paint is applied liberally and without abandon.  The result is a fascinating hybrid of ancient and modern.

Commenting on the creative process which produced Solas Anna says, “I find it interesting that even in this modern era there is still a connection to ancient myths and legends. This juxtaposition of the ancient and modern weaves its way through the work - creating a storyboard without words.”

“I was influenced by myths I heard in my childhood, legends of the borderlands; the Coooley Mountains, Cúchulainn, and the Táin Bó Cúailng. I visited the ancient site of Newgrange, and have always been aware of “thin” places - where the Celts believed a spiritual atmosphere of a location made it easy to connect with God, as though there is no barrier between heaven and earth. The energy of these places resonated more to me than more modern religious doctrine.  It was important for me to honour the Irish landscape whilst incorporating the myth and legend that has shaped it. It has been a fascinating journey to create this body of work”

Following the launch of Solas on Thursday 24th November, art enthusiasts can view the full exhibition at Anna McKeever’s Ormeau Road-based studio, 455 Ormeau Road, Belfast, on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am – 4pm. Visit www.annamckeever.com for more information.