Reflecting on Irish Emigration Through Art: Eoin Mac Lochlainn's "Tinteán Tréigthe 31"

In the context of Dublin’s bustling art scene, Eoin Mac Lochlainn's "Tinteán Tréigthe 31" stands out as a poignant reflection of the impact of Irish emigration. This piece, created as part of Mac Lochlainn's first solo show at the Olivier Cornet Gallery in September-October 2015, is a testament of the artist's exploration of those themes that are deeply ingrained in Irish consciousness.

Entitled "Diaspora", Mac Lochlainn's exhibition delves into the complexities of Irish emigration in the 21st century. Few European nations have been as profoundly impacted by emigration as Ireland over the past two centuries, with an amount of approximately 10 million individuals leaving the island starting from 1800.

Through a series of paintings depicting abandoned fireplaces in derelict houses along the West coast of Ireland, the artist invites viewers to contemplate the narratives of displacement and longing embedded within these silent objects of the past. Each painting in the series is a masterpiece of layered complexity, offering a rich tapestry of textures and hues. Mac Lochlainn skillfully navigates the delicate balance between frontality and three-dimensionality, inviting viewers into a contemplative dialogue with the subject matter.

A native of Dublin, Mac Lochlainn studied at the Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) in Dun Laoghaire and the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin. His art spans various forms, but he is best known for his evocative paintings.

At the heart of Mac Lochlainn's practice lies a deep-seated commitment to social awareness without succumbing to the temptation of aestheticizing pain and loneliness. The entire series of works highlights Eoin’s attention to individuals and their stories, but also reveals a certain interest towards social and political issues. The artist is, in fact, deeply linked to contemporary themes that involve society, such as the Irish diaspora, homelessness, art on climate change and, more recently, the Irish Civil War.

The artist's artistic process usually begins with a meticulous gathering of images from newspapers, magazines and research on the internet, from which he draws inspiration. Here, this series of works was inspired by a poem by Cathal Ó Searcaigh, entitled "Na Bailte Bánaithe".

Mac Lochlainn embarked on a journey to the Donegal Gaeltacht, immersing himself in the landscapes and stories that inspired the poet's words. The Donegal Gaeltacht is an area in Donegal where, as many claim, one of the purest forms of the Irish language has survived and where the traditions of Irish song, dance and folklore prevail. It was here, amidst the ruins of abandoned homesteads, that the artist found resonance with the central motif of the fireplace as the "hearth" of the home as a symbol of warmth, community and continuity.

This concept reflects the deep emotional and psychological connection associated with one’s home environment. The fireplace is not only a source of physical warmth, but also a meeting point around which families and friends gather to share special moments, creating everlasting memories.

Through his evocative canvases, Mac Lochlainn captures the essence of loss and resilience that defines the Irish diaspora experience. Each abandoned fireplace becomes a poignant metaphor for the enduring spirits that haunt the land, long after the departure of those who once called it their home.

For Mac Lochlainn, "Tinteán Tréigthe XXXI" serves as a solemn requiem for the departed, a solemn commemoration of the diaspora's legacy. As viewers gaze upon these silent witnesses to history, they are reminded of the profound human stories etched into the very fabric of the Irish landscape. Mac Lochlainn's art is inviting us to reflect on the enduring ties that bind us to our homeland, wherever it may be.

Martina Serio, March 2024

[Note by the gallerist: Another painting from that series features in the OPW State Art Collection: 'Tinteán Tréigthe II'. Click on that link to read more about it. You can also scroll down to the bottom of that page to find out which other paintings are still available, i.e. not marked as 'private collection'.]