New wave exhibition

A GROUP of Clare-based photographers, with a shared interest will be exhibiting a selection of their West Coast photography at an exhibition in a surfwear shop in Limerick next week.
David Olsthoorn, James Skerritt, Eoin O’Connor, Mark Lyons, Ronan Gallagher, Olivier Longuet and George Karbus will all showcase some of their top-class photography at the Emerald Surfwear Shop on Henry Street in Limerick, for one-night only, on Friday, December 10.
Trevor Whelan of Emerald Surfwear explained that the idea of the photographic exhibition is to promote the business and also to allow the photographers to showcase their own work.
“Emerald Surfwear is primarily an online surfwear business, but the group involved have opened a shop in the lead-up to Christmas and are looking at possibly doing the same in the summer.
“We design t-shirts and other surfwear. Some of the photographers involved in the exhibition are also artists and have designed some of the gear for us. So the designs are collaborative too. We get sent in designs from other surfers and artists. There is a very artistic streak in the art world. Some of these photographers have also designed one-off t-shirts under our brand too, so we’re very much working in collaboration with each other,” Trevor said.
All of the shop stock will be cleared out to maximise space for the photographic exhibition.
“All of those involved in the exhibition are very talented artists and deserve to have their work promoted. Some of their work has been featured in the Irish surfing magazine Tonnta too. We’re delighted to be connected with this exhibition. We all have a common shared interest in surfing, so there’s a great understanding between all of us and it’s great to help each other out,” he added.
George Karbus is a 17-year-old, up-and-coming, very talented photographic, whose wildlife, water and landscape photography has received considerable attention in recent times.
He focuses on wild marine mammals, ocean, waves, surf photography and coastal scenes. He is a previous winner of the Nature’s Best photographic competition, and his work has been exhibited in Washington, London and Japan. His photography has appeared in the pages of BBC Wildlife, Nature’s Best, Tracks surf, Ocean, Wildlife and The Irish Times.
Ronan Gallagher, from Lahinch, is already viewed as one of Ireland’s most talented young photographers. At 22, National Geographic selected one of his adventure images for their publication. In January, he travelled to India on a creative journey that has captured some of the most prolific shots of his career so far. He is now living in London pursuing his career as a fashion and journalistic photographer.
David Olsthoorn is another young, energetic photographer based in Miltown Malbay. His unique style is influenced by his surroundings taking his main inspiration from stretches of untouched coastlines around Ireland, especially his native Clare. At 18, his life is already hugely influenced by the ocean. David is primarily a photographer but almost as important, he is an avid surfer. His days are motivated by his desire to discover the perfect wave and capture it with a lens. His love for Irish seascapes is evident in all of his work that brings the rush and excitement of the surfing world into a sitting room or office in an instant.
Mark Lyons from Carrigaholt has a strong appreciation for nature and rugged landscapes and this is reflected in his photography. His evocative, moody images of dramatic skies and stark shapes make the ordinary look extraordinary. His work is heavily influenced by the coast, with water featuring strongly and he has a great affinity for rural scenes.
Olivier Longuet, originally from France, now lives in Belharbour, where he has a workshop. Self-taught, he was initiated to drawing and painting at a young age. Since then, Olivier has worked on a wide variety of mediums such as water colours, markers, pastels, oils and acrylics, knives and now does most of his work using oil on canvas. He is also a talented, natural photographer. He has exhibited in various galleries around Ireland, France and UK and he counts customers such as actor Brendan Gleeson, poet Seán Tyrrell, painter and musician Jim McKee and musician Gavin Whelan.
Eoin O’Connor is a Dublin-born artist who draws his inspiration from the sublime in nature. He spent three years studying in West Wales, UK, where he gained a BA (Hons) degree in Fine Art Sculpture. After graduating from college, Eoin moved to Lahinch. Living on the west coast of Ireland, Eoin has developed a deep respect for the ocean and the raw power of nature. Eoin produces works in many genres of art. He loves to experiment with colour and texture and to create work that is vibrant and fun.
James Skerritt is also an up-and-coming artist, based in Lahinch. Some of his surfing photography has brought him attention and has been featured in prominent surfing publications and websites.
The photographic exhibition which will feature many West Clare coastal scenes by this group of photographers, takes place in the Emerald SurfWear Shop on Henry Street, Limerick on Friday, December 10 from 8pm. For further information, see www.emeraldsurfwear.com.