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Lot Essay
It is likely that Bay of Thoughts derives directly or indirectly from Gerard Dillon's time in Connemara on the West coast of Ireland. The savage, natural beauty and the reclusive simplicity of this place untouched by the political or religious circumstances of a divided Ireland appealed to the young artist.
When speaking of his work, Dillon stated 'The Irish painter is trying to fight this storytelling quality (natural in himself) in his work, because he knows it isn't 'pure painting'. It's a hard fight.' (see J. White, Gerard Dillon; An Illustrated Biography, Dublin, 1994, p. 54). He evokes the struggle between the internal world of fantasy, and life's harsher realism.
Bay of Thoughts is certainly one of the paintings in which Dillon's 'storytelling' instinct wins over. The title of the work prompts us to ponder the purpose of these figures. They appear disjointed, lost in their own solitary contemplation.
According to his sister Molly, Gerard Dillon 'never showed whether he loved or not - he was solemn and selective.' (op. cit., p. 13). His desire to escape seemed inevitable and is reflected in the imagery that was influenced by his discovery of Connemara.
When speaking of his work, Dillon stated 'The Irish painter is trying to fight this storytelling quality (natural in himself) in his work, because he knows it isn't 'pure painting'. It's a hard fight.' (see J. White, Gerard Dillon; An Illustrated Biography, Dublin, 1994, p. 54). He evokes the struggle between the internal world of fantasy, and life's harsher realism.
Bay of Thoughts is certainly one of the paintings in which Dillon's 'storytelling' instinct wins over. The title of the work prompts us to ponder the purpose of these figures. They appear disjointed, lost in their own solitary contemplation.
According to his sister Molly, Gerard Dillon 'never showed whether he loved or not - he was solemn and selective.' (op. cit., p. 13). His desire to escape seemed inevitable and is reflected in the imagery that was influenced by his discovery of Connemara.