Neil Patrick Collins returns to Dublin with first solo art showcase
Swapping the bright lights of the football fields in the Irish midlands for the bright lights of New York!
The 2012 Sports Science and Health graduate comes from a strong GAA background in his home of Roscommon. Neil played Gaelic football for his county for many years, before taking up a new lease of life stateside in the Big Apple to pursue a career in fashion.
Ten months ago, Neil took up painting, having never done it before. He began creating pieces of artwork reflecting the search for personal freedom. The sheer enjoyment of painting was the inspiration behind Neil wanting to showcase his work to others.
Last month, Neil returned to Dublin to showcase his first ever solo art exhibition, titled “FREEDAMN”, in Studio 10, Dublin city centre. The exhibition took six months to put together.
Speaking to DCU Alumni, Neil calls on the feeling of creating.
“To express something outside of yourself as freeing and colourful as art is ultimate liberation.”
“FREEDAMN” reflects the “realisation and acceptance of what it is to be human - a paradox between the challenges of society and the magic of the universe.”
Discussing the process of putting together his very first exhibition, he described it as “a challenge, for sure, but it came somewhat natural.”
The good news is that this is not the last creation that we will see from Neil, with plans to continue his artistic journey.
“I just have to keep going. This is something I want to create a bit of momentum around.”