A storyteller at heart, contemporary Irish artist Mary Ronayne’s vivacious work is theatrical in breadth, staging scenes of leisurely pursuits of the past and present that are rich in gooey colour, hedonism and high-status possessions that playfully disarm the viewer.

 

Drawing inspiration from a diverse tapestry of modern society, renaissance imagery, operas, historical literary sources and glossy interior magazines, Ronayne has a signature style that is both allegorical and charming.

It’s hard to miss the absurdity of excess conveyed in her cleverly composed scenes, quizzical glances, deflated bodies and melted faces - the questioning looks of her characters, especially the women, capturing a sense of doubt while engaged in the hedonistic and pleasurable pastimes, but yet masterfully delivered with subtlety and a wink.

Central to Ronayne's style is her innovative technique as a figurative painter and multimedia artist: first she uses Photoshop to construct the scenes, bringing together the often divergent elements, characters and props that serve as her narrative. Then blending enamel and domestic paints, she creates large-scale artworks, mostly on wooden panels, that are bold and bright, while also a little whimsical, the contrast of glossy shine and matte texture bringing a vibrant quality.

Based in County Kildare, Ireland, Ronayne has exhibited widely, from solo shows in London’s HOFA Gallery to being showcased at international art fairs including, KIAF, Art Miami, Art Central Hong Kong and Contemporary Istanbul.

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Featured in private collections worldwide, her artwork also has the prestige of being auctioned at Phillips 20th Century & Contemporary Art Day Sale in Hong Kong.

 

Ronayne studied Fine Art in TU Dublin, History of Art at Cardiff University, followed by an MA in Art in the Contemporary World from NCAD, Dublin. She is represented by the renowned HOFA Gallery in London.