This exhibition would reflect 30 years of Michael Cahillane’s art practice, which would cover his identity, also passion for touch painting for visually impaired and the effect that nature has on wellbeing.

In the artist's words:

My early paintings were influenced by my experience in the printing trade as screen printer and was inspired by abstract impressionists. My interest in mark making and colour theory, which allows for the freedom of imagination and to have spontaneous and instinctive mark making strokes. During this time, I became very interested in the accessibility of art for visually impaired, creating 3 D painting which allowed the audience to touch painting. This was inspired by studying with visual impaired art students who have trouble accessing exhibition spaces. My narrative work was inspired by artist such L S Lowry and Norman Cornish who painted the working-class communities in which they lived, which inspired me to look at my own upbringing in Northwest London in Irish community. This later led to an exhibition at the Irish Centre exhibition entitled “work Rest & Play.

The Wall Gardens collection:

My paintings stem from interest in nature and how it affects our emotions. I love exploring the relationship between shapes and colour tones as this evokes a huge variety of emotional experiences from observers. There is something powerful about this, something transcendental. Modern society is obsessed with technology. At times, this obsession can disrupt our connection with nature. We forget the healing powers of the natural world, and this can cause many problems for us. My artwork is a reminder for us all, me included, to reconnect with nature, and ultimately, to reconnect with ourselves.