BIDDY PARADE

‘BIDDY PARADE’ - work in progress image. (FINAL PAINTING NOW SOLD)

This latest series of work and works in progress in watercolour have been my attempt to capture the vibrant essence of St. Brigid's Day in Kilgobnet, Killorglin and beyond. In these pieces I depict the intriguing costumes, joyful parades, and intimate house-to-house visits that embody this unique tradition. The Biddy Boys, adorned in straw and rags, reflect resilience and a profound connection to heritage. I am fascinated in the last number of years at the resurgence of Irish folklore and our need for connection to the past, and most of all the stories that are brought out when you exhibit this kind of work.

These paintings honour the communal bonds and intergenerational transfer of knowledge, celebrating the enduring power of heritage and the joyous renewal it brings each year. Through watercolour, I invite viewers to experience the magic and vitality of the Biddy’s in Kerry and the rich history of Killorglin and County Kerry as a whole.