'Vibrant, uplifting and totally original modern art from Ireland...'

The Sol Gallery in Dawson Street, Dublin was the location for Niall Leavy's successful first solo exhibition on Friday evening.Record numbers of people travelled from all over the country and abroad to see new work from the artist, who lives in and works out of his studio in Stamullen, County Meath.At one point in the evening people were queuing down the stairs of the gallery and out the front door on to Dawson Street. The atmosphere inside was electric.The positivity of the paintings was complimented by a rousing opening speech by Dundalk native Fergus Mullen, state solicitor for County Louth, occasional actor and director.Fergus marvelled at Niall's combination of painterly skills and mastercraftsmanship highlighting the vibrant, fresh and truely original work on display, and how the whole show 'oozed of positive energy'.Niall's paintings, which are essentially abstract, are presented in a contemporary manner. Most pieces comprise a series of small squares (9 on the smaller pieces and up to 80 on the larger pieces), with each small square like individual painting, with each saturated with strong vibrant colours.Each painting is the result of a process of developing multiple layers, with elements of each layer protected and other elements washed, rubbed or scratched away, but all building a 'history' and a potential story line.Niall uses the little squares that make up his paintings to represent a 'moment', a 'positive moment' which, when presented together create a powerful and literally uplifting effect.The vibrancy and depth of each piece provides the viewer with the opportunity to be drawn in and to create their own story or stories. And what is fascinating is that your eye is drawn to different element each time you look at them. It is difficult not to just feel good when you are standing in front of these paintings.Martin Davis, proprietor of the Sol Gallery, indicated that the attendance at the opening on Friday night last was the biggest he had seen at the gallery and that the 23 paintings sold on the night was by far the biggest selling opening night he has witnessed.New Horizon runs in the Athena Room at the Sol Gallery, 8 Dawson Street, Dublin until Thursday October 18.www.niallleavy.com.