A Laois artist's vibrant painting is set to captivate New York City's iconic Times Square, marking a significant milestone in her career. Aileen Donovan's 'Saint Gobnait and the Beekeepers' will be showcased on a giant billboard for a day, offering her work invaluable exposure to a global audience.
This opportunity came about through a serendipitous email from Arrival Gallery, an international contemporary art organization. The gallery invited Aileen to join a select group of 40 artists, each with their own unique piece, on the prestigious Times Square billboard. Her innovative use of glue in her artwork, creating a 3D effect, caught the eye of the organizers, leading to this extraordinary chance.
The painting, completed in 2024, is a tribute to the Laois Beekeepers' Association and their Heritage through Art grant project, supported by Creative Ireland Laois. Aileen's love for stained glass and her creative interpretation of Harry Clarke's St. Gobnait, the patron saint of beekeepers, adds a unique touch to the piece. The artwork incorporates the beekeepers' daily activities, a wildflower meadow, and the Church of St. Michael's and All Angels in Abbeyleix, creating a captivating scene.
Aileen's journey to becoming a professional artist is an inspiring one. After a 30-year hiatus from art, she rediscovered her passion through furniture upcycling. Attending art classes at Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise reignited her creativity, and she now experiments with various techniques, including glue, modeling pastes, and stencils, to create her distinctive style. Her unconventional approach, using sponges and fingers instead of brushes, has garnered attention and acclaim.
The Times Square billboard exposure is a dream come true for Aileen, who expressed her excitement, stating, 'I've never had an opportunity like this before and I am very happy to grab it.' This opportunity not only highlights her talent but also showcases the rich cultural heritage of Laois, bringing it to the bustling streets of New York City.
The impact of this event extends beyond Aileen's personal success. Creative Ireland Laois, the organization that supported her project, celebrated the news on social media, praising the exposure it brings to the talented artists of County Laois. This collaboration between local artists and international platforms is a testament to the power of art in fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.
