Solid blocks
Paphos-based artist charms patrons from around the world with her open style
MIRIAM McConnon canvasses reflect her fascination with the Tombs of the Kings; many of the images are of a watery golden light set against solid blocks of mixed colours, although her work is such that you are able to evoke almost anything you like from it including great pleasure.
She trained in fine art at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin and then followed a post-graduate course at the Cyprus college of Art in Lemba. Now married to a Cypriot, she lives permanently in Paphos.
Such is the demand for her canvases, Miriam has her paintings in private collections in Spain, Germany, America, Australia and Switzerland. Her exhibitions are shared between galleries in Ireland and Cyprus, specifically the Apocalypse gallery in Nicosia.
In an era where the art world seems to be driven by money, ego and sensationalism (only last month it was reported that an artist attempted to eat her gallery in Brooklyn then followed this up by trying to chew her way through a Le Corbusier building in Massachusetts – naturally both attempts failed), I asked Miriam if these days a young artist must incline to the bizarre if he or she is to enjoy a degree of fame. “I hopefully communicate through my paintings and have no interest in endangering my open approach by becoming controversial. I am what I am and, of course, I would love to sell more of my works but not at the price of turning away from what I believe in and what a I feel makes my canvases originals in every sense of the word.”
In this quiet, almost modest form we have an artist whose work is undoubtedly the star, one which is rising with every sell-out exhibition she mounts. Mercifully there is zero Damien Hurst or Tracey Emin eyebrow arching when you first view her pieces, but there is an immediate awareness of an artist who shows extraordinary depth of both experience and talent, and in every canvas she is seen to relish the fundamental properties of painting.
Miriam also teaches, using her training in both sculpture and illustration to encourage students of all ages to appreciate the basics of painting, something that also helps keep the proverbial wolf from the door.
“I take a great deal of time with each canvas, sometimes a year has passed before I complete a particular painting, going back to it again and again until I feel totally comfortable with it, so preparing for an exhibition is a major commitment and one that totally engages me.” The pressure every talented artist has to sell their work is sometimes overwhelming, with many a creative talent being lost due to this grinding need to also have a regular income. Miriam is more fortunate than most in that she has established quite a coterie of enthusiastic collectors who are prepared to wait for her exhibitions and then buy her work but this hasn’t happened overnight. “It’s all about luck as well as talent, and the old clich? of being in the right place at the right time also works for artists. I have some very interesting patrons, if that is the correct word, and they in turn have introduced me to fellow friends and colleagues. You just have to have patience and, of course, it helps if you have a good, professionally-run gallery to correctly showcase the works”.
Miriam’s next exhibition will be at the Nicosia based Apocalypse Gallery from the middle of June.
Three Women and a Man Works by Graham Parry, Miriam McConnon, Valerie Brennan, and Liese Webley. Until Saturday. Apocalypse Gallery, 30 Chytron St, Nicosia. Monday-Friday: 11am-1pm, 5-8pm. Saturday: 10.30am-1pm. Tel: 22 766655. Miriam McConnon 99 554829
Seven questions
What car do you drive?
I don’t drive I am learning at the moment, but until I pass my test I use a bicycle and buses.
Describe your perfect weekend
For my husband and all my family to come together from all over the world and meet in some city, I don’t mind where and just relax and holiday together.
What is your greatest fear?
Losing my mind
Assuming you believed in reincarnation, who or what would you come back as?
A Musician
What is your earliest memory?
Going to playschool
What did you have for breakfast?
A mug of warm water, an orange and a bowl of cornflakes
What was the latest item of clothing you bought?
A pair of jeans
