Contrasts, Olivier Cornet Gallery winter group show opens 18 December 2024

In a year of upheavals, combining -paradoxically- paradigm shifts and unchallenged status quo, the Olivier Cornet Gallery is presenting a themeless winter group exhibition, or rather one featuring many themes. With ‘Contrasts’, we will -more than ever before maybe- highlight the rich diversity of artists the gallery is working with, showcasing examples of their best work this year. The exhibition purports to assemble in unison a wide selection of contrasting colours, media and practices. 

This year we have chosen Nickie Hayden's new painting 'Healing Totems' to promote this new winter group show.

'Healing Totems' marks a new departure for this artist who has been working in a more minimalist way of late. And yet the artist continues to imbue her work with a strong sense of empathy towards the world around her.

My painting and its underlying intentions are heartfelt. I have embedded healing symbols and incorporated elements from modalities like Reiki into my new work, I am channelling a positive, transformative energy that goes beyond the canvas. Art has an incredible power to convey emotions and inspire change, especially when it's infused with the genuine wish for healing, love, and tolerance that I am describing.

It's true that the world often feels weighed down by greed, inequality, and environmental neglect, and it can feel overwhelming to try to make a difference. However, my work stands as a testament to the idea that change begins with small acts—acts of expression, empathy, and connection. Art has the capacity to awaken people, provoke thought, and spread a ripple of positivity and hope. Even if it touches just one person profoundly, it has made an impact. 

Our visitors can expect more surprises with new directions taken by some of our artists. Find out more by visiting the Contrasts exhibition page.



Contrasts features work by Annika Berglund, Hugh Cummins, Mary A. Fitzgerald, David Fox, Nickie Hayden, Eoin Mac Lochlainn, Miriam McConnon, Sheila Naughton, Yanny Petters, Kelly Ratchford, Vicky Smith, and Maria Atanacković (winner of the Signal Arts Centre’s Open Exhibition 2024).

The OCG will be closed from 19 December 2024 to 10 January 2025. Reopening on Saturday 11 Jan 2025. We wish our artists, visitors and customers a happy Christmas, a great holiday season and all the best in 2025.