Beyond the Shoreline is the title of a new solo art exhibition from Oranmore-based artist, John Kennedy, that will run in Galway City Library from next Monday, July 7 to Saturday, July 19.

A passionate studio painter and plein air artist, John only began painting in 2018 but since retiring from the ‘day job’ in 2022, he has devoted all his time to developing his craft. On the back of a successful first solo exhibition at Mountshannon Arts Festival in Clare earlier this year, John has developed a new body of work for this show, his first solo exhibition in Galway City.

Beyond the Shoreline brings viewers into a seldom-seen world beneath the waves as this regular sea swimmer journeys into the depths of Galway Bay and presents a series of real and imagined scenes, designed to spark people’s imagination, curiosity and concern.

“I use paint to show the beauty and fragility of the natural world and reflect our influence on nature, both positive and negative, as we exploit our surroundings for food, shelter and recreation,” says John.

Beyond the Shoreline runs daily, except Sunday,  from July 7 to 19 inclusive at Galway City Centre Library, St Augustine Street, during normal opening hours. There will be an informal ‘meet the artist’ event at the library between 11am and 1pm on Saturday, July 12, when people are invited along to meet John, discuss the work or chat about his artistic practice and inspirations

Pictured: One of John Kennedy’s paintings from his first solo show in the city.