The Anam Gallery, Roscommon Town, is proud to announce its second exhibition for 2023: ‘A Mountain of Thoughts, Being Free, Walking Our Own Path, Oceans’ by local 13-year-old artist George Naughton, which was opened by Niall ‘Bressie’ Breslin on November 8th.
One of the goals of The Anam Gallery is to have an annual youth exhibition, and this exhibit by George Naughton is the first such one to take place. One of George’s many talents is the manner in which he illustrates how art can open our hearts and minds to finding our truths and expressing ourselves. But he also shows us how to enjoy, experiment and be free… free to choose … free to live… free to be oneself…
Despite living with a catastrophic and terminal muscle-wasting illness (Duchenne muscular dystrophy), George has found a way to express his thoughts and feelings through art. When he was twelve, his older brother Archie died of the same illness. George, understandably, struggled to express his profound loss, fear and grief.
With the support of Anam Gallery’s Rita Oates, George began attaching words and titles to his art. It quickly became apparent that George was processing his grief and struggles through this work. The collection of pieces being exhibited is unique, thought-provoking, and filled with hope. They challenge the viewer to reach their own interpretation/conclusions, whilst sharing the central theme that we are entitled to our own thoughts and that it is okay to feel sad, lost or alone; that we must all strive to follow our own path, to share our own unique story, to be our own person but also never forget that we are all connected and valued.
George invited Niall ‘Bressie’ Breslin to open the exhibition as he is aware of Niall’s enormous contribution to the national and international conversation regarding mental health. The Charity ‘Lust for Life’, founded by Niall, provides an invaluable resource and support for young people in Ireland and beyond. It empowers young people ‘to be effective guardians of their own mind – and to be the leaders that drive our society towards a better future’.
Entry to the exhibition is free and all are welcome. This is George’s first solo exhibition, and his powerful work is sure to inspire, uplift and stir the emotions in all that come to visit.
For more info
For more information find the gallery on Instagram (@TheAnamGallery) and Facebook (Anam Gallery). To learn about Join Our Boys, the trust set up by George’s parents to support his and his brothers’ needs, and raise awareness and research money for Duchenne Muscular Distrophy, find the trust on Instagram (@joinourboys_ ) and Facebook (Join Our Boys Trust).
