Northern Light is a mid-career retrospective exhibition of artist Ann Quinn at the Regional Cultural Centre, Donegal. The exhibition reflects the artist’s practice over the past 15 years, bringing together select works created by the artist in response to the places and people she holds dear.
Raised on a dairy farm in East Donegal, Quinn’s paintings offer a personal and atmospheric view of her surroundings. Signs of human presence gradually creep into her work—telegraph poles, chimneys, animals, and the human figure. Often set against the bare light of winter, the artist’s work is firmly rooted in the specificity of place, while at the same time conjuring a world of inward contemplation, or as the artist describes moments where she feels she is witnessing magic.
The exhibition navigates between the external world and internal experience, inviting the viewer into Quinn’s work with the landscape acting as a stage for memory, narrative, and the human experience. Quinn’s paintings serve as a visual diary, often focusing on transitional moments—dusk, the onset of winter—where the intensity of light and atmosphere becomes a form of quiet introspection.
This exhibition marks a pivotal moment in Quinn’s career, with the works on display highlighting her careful observation of the natural world, her sensitivity to the nuances of light and landscape, and her ongoing exploration of the human presence within those spaces.
This exhibition is curated by Daniel Nelis.
Artist Biography
Ann Quinn was born in Donegal in 1978 and received a BA in Fine Art Pain<ng from the Na<onal College of Art & Design in 2000.
Solo shows include Taylor Galleries (2023, 2021, 2018, 2016, 2013), Custom House Gallery & Studio (2019), Dock Arts Centre (2013), Ashford Gallery (2009). Group shows include It Took a Century: Women Ar2sts and the RHA, Na<onal Gallery of Ireland (2023), the Royal Hibernian Academy Annual Exhibi<on (2004-2024), Regard X: Celebra2ng the Outstanding Contribu2on made by women to the Na2onal Self Portrait Collec2on of Ireland, Bourn Vincent Gallery, University of Limerick (2019), Galway Arts Centre (2010), Pallas Contemporary Projects (2017, 2016, 2010, 2009).
One of her artworks was selected by writer Cris]n Leach for her RTÉ commissioned ’21st Century Ireland in 21 Artworks’ series and the following exhibi<on as part of the Earagail Arts Fes<val, 2019.
Some of the awards Quinn received include the Anita Young Bursary (RHA Annual Exhibi<on, 2024), a Visual Ar<sts Bursary from the Arts Council of Ireland (2024, 2020, 2009), a Travel and Training Award from the Arts Council of Ireland (2016), the Thomas Dammann Award (2022, 2019, 2017, 2015), the K & M Evans Award (RHA Annual Exhibi<on in 2012), and the Hennessey Craig Scholarship (RHA Annual Exhibi<on in 2009).
Quinn has undertaken ar<st residencies including the Ucross Founda<on, Wyoming (USA, 2023), the Ragdale Founda<on, Chicago (USA, 2022, 2016), the VCCA (USA, 2014), Centre d’ Art I Natura (Spain, 2015, 2010), the Fundación Valparaíso (Spain, 2014, 2008). Residencies in Ireland include a studio residency at the RHA (2009), Heinrich Boll Cogage (2010), Tyrone Guthrie Centre (2008) and Glenveagh Na<onal Park (2007).
Her work is in the collec<ons of the Office of Public Works, Trinity College Dublin, the Na<onal Self Portrait Collec<on of Ireland, Donegal Museum, Donegal County Council and the Health Service Execu<ve.
Quinn was elected as an Associate Member of the Royal Hibernian Academy in 2022. She is represented by Taylor Galleries, Dublin.
Kindly supported by the Arts Council of Ireland and Donegal County Council. With special thanks to Donegal County Library, Donegal Museum, University of Limerick, Taylor Galleries and the private collectors who have contributed to the exhibition.
Northern Light opens at 6pm on Saturday 5th October and continues until Saturday 30th November.