Paperback, full colour, 112 pages, W215 x H259mm
The publishing of this fully illustrated catalogue coincided with Donagh's most comprehensive exhibition to date at Ikon in September 2005. This exhibition included paintings she made in the 1950s and early 60s, never exhibited before; as well as works for which she is well known, such as those for the Figure Compositions, Walden, and ‘H-block’ series; and an exciting new group of works based on her memories of a childhood spent in the Black Country.
This publication is made up of over sixty full colour reproductions of paintings from these series, with particular attention given to the Black Country paintings of 2000-05. The inclusion of such a range of images means that this catalogue provides an opportunity to examine Donagh’s development as an artist, a process which, while revealing a fascinating range of subject matter and complexity of treatment, actually demonstrates a remarkable consistency in aesthetic proposition.
To accompany the range of images presented in this publication, a comprehensive list of works and a full biography charting Donagh’s career are also included. In addition, an essay by Ikon Director Jonathan Watkins, exploring Donagh’s background and training, the influences of the New York underground and the Irish ‘troubles’ on the artist’s work, and Donagh’s interest in the ideas of American philosopher Henry David Thoreau completes the catalogue.