Current Exhibition

Art lovers are invited to the launch of “The Journey”, a captivating exhibition by acclaimed fine art printmaker Mary Kpakra, at 2.00pm on Thursday 2 July in Strule Arts Centre, Omagh.

The exhibition celebrates Mary’s remarkable artistic journey and lifelong determination to pursue her passion for printmaking despite losing most of her sight in her early twenties. Living with just 5% central vision and colour blindness, Mary continues to create intricate, tactile and visually striking original prints in her eighties, demonstrating extraordinary resilience, creativity and skill.

Originally from Carrickfergus, Mary is a former member of the renowned Seacourt Print Workshop. Her work has featured in solo and group exhibitions across Ireland, including at the Waterfront Hall, Dublin Airport, the Ulster Museum, the Island Arts Centre and Flowerfield Arts Centre.

Drawing inspiration from her experiences living in Africa and travelling in China, India and Peru, Mary’s work reflects a deep appreciation of colour, texture and the natural world.

Speaking about her practice, Mary said:

“My art has been a means of expressing myself as a visually impaired artist.

“I have lived in countries such as Africa, China, India and Peru. They inspired my work and every time I have come back I have tried to create a piece of art afterwards.

“I love colour and because I have very little vision I like bright, contrasting colours and textures.

“I have done quite a lot of collagraphs and etchings using trees and tea leaves to create the effect of a leafy tree, as well as Greek herbs to give a more sensory experience.

“I have experimented with other media such as oil painting and watercolours, but when I started experimenting with fine art printmaking I discovered my forte. It lends itself well to the visually impaired; the collagraphs and relief prints can be very tactile.”

“The Journey” can be viewed in the Strule Gallery until 5.00pm on Saturday 25 July, from 9.30am–5.00pm, Monday to Saturday. Admission is free.

For further information, please visit the Strule Arts Centre website or call 028 8224 7831.