On this episode, Caren Sullivan talks to artist Harry Walsh Foreman in 2020.

Harry Walsh Foreman Contemporary urban street life is full of distinctive characters and personalities. In his work he imagines the hidden everyday narratives of these individuals. These ideas formed the framework of his comic series 'First World Problems. In consumer terms, Western society has never had so much or needed so little. 'First World Problems' is a comic apologia for those who moan over trivial matters.

A key aspect of his work is the attempt to create a more interactive fusion between the viewer and the art. While he fully defers to the importance of the ‘white cube, he’s more concerned with creating a strong feeling of character and place, allowing his diverse work to be viewed as a conceptual whole.

Wash Foreman’s work is rooted in the ideas of social realism which allows him aframework for exploring contemporary life in Dublin. 'First World Problems' can be viewed as an artful analogy. The

series consists of both ink drawings and paintings which incorporate image and text. The paintings vary stylistically, highlighting the dissatisfaction felt by many in society through a judicious mix of paint application and technique. The text features philosophical and whimsical messages based around life in contemporary Dublin with a focus on the more mundane problems people encounter. These are both overheard snippets of conversations as well as original material by the artist.

Group Exhibitions

2019: Future Episode 3 Season 3, RHA

2019: Cairde Visual 2019, The Model Gallery, Sligo.

2019: In Orbit 2019. Catalyst Gallery, Belfast annual members showcase.

2018: Rua Red Winter Exhibition 2018.

2018: Between Things: Student & recent graduate show: Catalyst Arts, Belfast.

2018: MFA Graduate exhibition. June. MFA Annex, James' Street.

2017: Halt Baked: MFA Christmas Show, Eblana House.

2017: Detached: interim MFA show, April, Solstice Arts Centre, Navan.

2016: BA Graduate Group Show, June, NCAD. 2015: Samson and Delilah. Paint Project Space, NCAD. This was a show of experimental film work and current work made in coniunction with fellow painting student Susanne Wawra. 2015 - 2017: Dublin Art Book Fair, Temple Bar Gallery & Studios. I regularly self-publish zines and submitted annually. 2015: Central. September Group exhibition held in Mart Galleries, Rathmines. This was an exhibition which / co-curated. 2015: Romantic Land and Art Life. May. Third Year Group exhibition which was held in Steambox Galleries. 2014: Art Squad, 20 June.

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