John Kelly returns with The Works Presents, adding to the extensive archive of this well-loved series. Four of Ireland’s most inspired and inspirational creative people, talk with John about how encounters with art transformed their lives – and in turn, became their lives. Guests include author Joseph O’Connor; artists Patricia Hurl and Mick O’Dea, and musician, composer, and Artistic Director of Crash Ensemble, Kate Ellis. John discovers what drives them to create the works they make.
EPISODE FOUR – Mick O’Dea
From Ennis in County Clare, the painter Mick O’Dea is one of our best-known artists – his work included in many public collections including The National Gallery of Ireland, as well as in public, corporate and private collections throughout the world. A Past President of the Royal Hibernian Academy, he lectured for 16 years at the National College of Art and Design – where he himself had studied before continuing his studies abroad. He’s perhaps best known for his portraits – those of friends and those commissioned portraits of significant public figures – and also for a remarkable trilogy of exhibitions that explored his own fascination with Irish history and, in particular, the foundation of the State. He now divides his time between a studio in North Mayo and a studio in Dublin – fully committed to a rich, varied and very busy practice.
