The Dream of Gerontius is a series which deals with the poem by John Henry Newman. Newman composed this work in his later years and it was one of his most successful compositions. The work is based on the journey of the Soul of Gerontius after his death, where he encounters many strange events. With his guide he is brought to judgment and his final end. The treatment of the theme in this series of eight works is interpretive, with no reference to place or time as we understand it. The music of Edward Elgar, the English composer, was influential in the creation of the paintings.
Click
here to view this series.
The 'Taín' is a series of paintings which explore the ancient legends of Ireland. Set in the Fifth-Century, these Epic Myths are a view into a time when cattle stealing and wars were common. This tale tells the rise of a hero in the time of need. A strong warrior who when given the choice choose a glorious shot life to a long and ordinary one.
The Hero Cuchulainn is given the task of defending his County against a brave and fearless Queen who attempts to take by force a great brown bull in Ulster. Her motive is to equal the goods that her husband the king of Connaught possesses and restore her honor. The paintings depict many of the episodes from the Epic tale of long ago.
Click
here to view this series.
The Seven Last Words is a series of oil paintings on the theme of the seven last words of Jesus Christ from his cross. They were composed over a two year period and attempt to combine the Theology of the cross with some of the most important teachings in the life of Christ. Set on the bare mound of Calvary they recall the words and atmosphere around the three hours that he hung battered and bleeding, waiting for death to end his suffering. Separated as He was from his Father He was obedient to the last and embraced his passion, and in his claiming it as his choice to die He snatched back from his enemies the victory they thought they had won. The works show the sun moving across the sky as the hours passed and as nature was witness to the drama unfolding, she reacted in violence with earthquakes and darkness hiding the shame of men. Again, separation is at the heart of this series.
Click
here to view this series.
John Dunne is an artist from Dublin, Ireland. His art embraces a wide variety of paint media. He has been featured in many exhibitions and shows. His major work is comprised in four series: The Dream of Gerontius, The Song of Songs, The Tain, and his most recent series, The Seven Last Words.
The Song of Songs was a Series of works painted over a four year period. Base in the Poem of the same name it brings to life many of the ideas and beautiful lines of the two lovers. Unabashed over their passionate love for each other they extol the attributes of each other in an attempt to draw the other to themselves. The overall mood of the work is that of separation. The lovers are together but long for that intimate union of surrender and oneness.
Other work by John Dunne.