Emerging Dublin artist Siobhán O'Callaghan has opened her first solo exhibition, entitled Birthmarks, at Dalkey's Station House Gallery - one of the paintings featured is a portrait of RTÉ broadcaster Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh and her daughter Síle at home.
"My subjects range from people and places familiar to me, to scenes created to convey a concept and spark conversation," says Siobhan. "I am fascinated with the nature of the body and the ways in which materials, space and light affect its physicality and image."
But what does the subject make of her portrait? "As I walked down the stairs into the gallery," says Bláthnaid, "and realised that my daughter Síle was also in the painting, I cried. She was so real, and I was too. Double chin, squinty eyes... but that is me! Not airbrushed, not posing - just me. So I have to love both of us. It's my greatest Chrtistmas gift ever - everybody that knows us sees us like that!"
Watermarks runs at the Station House Gallery, Dalkey, until 23 December - more details here.
Pictures: Andres Poveda
