News
‘Poet’s House’ acrylic on canvas, 30 x 30cm
14 June - 13 July 2023
LolliGo Art Space, 978, Beijing
‘Ancestral Houses & Meditations’ Exhibition, China.
Artists were invited by the Hamilton Gallery, Sligo to respond to the W B Yeats poem ‘Meditations in Time of Civil War’ of which ‘Ancestral Houses’ is a section. The painting ‘Poets House’ came about as I imagined Yeats contemplating in his lofty room at night, his candle a symbol of light and hope, amidst the turmoil of the civil war.
The group exhibition which took place in the Hamilton Gallery in 2021 is now touring China to celebrate the 100th anniversary of WB Yeats receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature. Supported by the Irish Embassy in Beijing, curated by Vincent Deng and Martina Hamilton.
The exhibition opens in the LolliGo Art Space, 978, Beijing on 14th June and continues until 13th July.
It will tour the following cities throughout 2023 :
Shanghai (TBC), Chengdu (VA Gallery - September), Chongqing (VA Gallery - October), and
Hong Kong (TBC)
For more see : The Hamilton Gallery
‘Lacken’ oil on canvas, 100 x 120cm
22 May - 30 July 2023
Royal Hibernian Academy Exhibition Dublin.
‘Lacken’ selected for 193rd RHA Exhibition.
The RHA Annual Exhibition is one of the most prestigious art exhibitions in Ireland, showcasing a diverse range of contemporary art from both established and emerging artists. This year's exhibition will feature a selection of paintings, sculpture, photography, and video works by 350 artists.
Seamus’ painting ‘Lacken’ has been selected for this year’s exhibition taking place from May 22nd to August 12th August, 2023.
For more information about the RHA Annual Exhibition, visit the RHA website at www.rhagallery.ie.
News - Archive Highlights
'Hidden Glen' oil on canvas, 80 x 100cm
15 - 17 November 2019
Sacred Heart Academy, Philadelphia, USA.
‘Straight out of Ireland’ Exhibition, USA.
Selected to participate in the 'Straight Out of Ireland’ Exhibition in Philadelphia organised by the Irish Immigration Centre. The exhibition looks to showcase the work of twenty Irish artists and ten American artists inspired by contemporary Ireland. Seamus exhibited a collection of paintings based on Sligo's Hidden Glen. Inspired by the rich growth of ferns and ancient trees pushing towards the light from this deep ravine, where lush canopies and cascading ivy give way to high walls and musty sunlight. For more click on: https://www.straightoutofireland.com
May - August 2019
Royal Hibernian Academy Exhibition, Dublin.
What lies beneath: ‘Moonlight, Lugnaquilla’
by Niall MacMonagle - Sunday Independent, 1st July 2019
Born and reared in Marino, Dublin, Seamus O'Byrne was given his first set of oils aged 10. Eldest of nine, "a happy, adventurous childhood" meant "rearing birds, a love of nature and an interest in falconry". O'Byrne, at 16, applied for an NCAD scholarship but was too young. He joined the ESB, as an apprentice electrician, became a draughtsman and 25 years ago a job transfer to Pollaphuca and Turlough Hill Generating station meant West Wicklow was on his doorstep. "Out in the wilderness was a revelation”. Continue reading here
‘Moonlight, Lugnaquilla’ oil on canvas, 100 X 100cm
May - August 2019
Royal Hibernian Academy Exhibition Dublin.
Awarded at the RHA Annual Exhibition.
Awarded the Hanley Energy Sustainability Excellence Award for a landscape of distinction at this years 189th RHA Annual Exhibition 2019 for his painting 'Moonlight, Lugnaquilla'.
December 2011
International Falconry Festival, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Awarded First Prize at the 2nd International Falconry Festival Art Competition in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
As a selected finalist, Seamus was sponsored to attend the International Falconry Festival in Abu Dhabi from 10th to the 18th Dec, where he won First Prize for his painting ‘Surprise Encounter’ in the International Art Competition.
There were many activities during the week long festival, which took place in both Desert Camp at Ramah, and the Festival Site at Al-Jahili Fort in the city of Al Ain where the art exhibition was held. Highlights included hunting with falcons on camels at desert camp, falcon racing, saluki racing, conferences, lectures, workshops, falconry displays, art exhibition, culminating in the Grand Parade of Nations with seventy five countries represented. A truly international festival hosted by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, and the Emirates Falconers Club.
A most memorable week was had, where new friends were made in a unique sharing of cultures in the celebration of art and the art of falconry. The winning painting ‘Surprise Encounter’ which sold is now in a private collection in the USA.