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David Magee
David Magee (b.1963) is an Irish Artist. He was born and raised in Cork, Ireland and studied Fine Art at Crawford Municipal School of Art, Cork. In 1982, he attended Glasgow School of Art & Design. He has been the recipient of numerous awards including more recently, The Paris Photography Prize (PX3) - The Lucie Awards, New York, - Tokyo International Foto Awards. Outside, a twenty-five year retrospective, was published to international acclaim in 2017. He has exhibited globally, his works are held in both private and municipal collections. Having travelled extensively, it is the Irish landscape, particularly the Atlantic coastline, that has become the focus of his work in recent years. It is his home, the source of his subject matter and the inspiration for his work. Magee lives and works between his homes in West Cork and London.
For over 30 years - I have been making photographs outside. My aim is to provide an antidote to the world we now inhabit, a world of excess, over-branding and mass production. My intention is to offer the viewer a point in time to reflect and be drawn into a world of quietude, contemplation and tranquility. To engage the viewer with the experience of being immersed in the landscape and the spirituality of nature.
Earth, Water, Air... are the recurring elements that I work with. It is my relationship with and my interpretation of these elements that forms the basis of my photographs, in whatever form they take, once I am absorbed in the landscape. However, it is the composition and the combination of light, tone and movement and the passage of time used through extended exposures that creates the atmosphere.
The location itself, is totally secondary to the feeling. The feeling is everything.
Title : Natural Mystic Study #1
Date : 20.09.2018
Location : The Long Strand, West Cork, Ireland
Medium : Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Pearl 320gsm
Edition : In a Limited Edition of 3 with 1 x Artist’s proof
My photographs are emotional experiences involving a lot of travelling, walking, sitting, waiting, thinking, re-thinking and finally creating. It’s the entire process that fascinates and motivates me. ~ David Magee, October 2020
About the works
These images form part of an ongoing study of the Atlantic coast of Ireland. This exhibition presents seven photographs.
ATLANTIC - The second largest of the world's oceans, spanning an area of 106,460,000 square kilometres. It separates the "Old World" from the "New World" and covers approximately 20% of the Earth's surface.
At the dawning of a new decade, in an unprecedented world, we bear a collective responsibility to repair the earth and initiate change. We are fighting against time. We live in an era where we have lost control. Where nature is constantly staving off the consequences of humanity’s wanton destruction.
These images aim to engage the viewer with the experience of being immersed in the elements and the spirituality of nature, as well as touching on themes of transcendence and self. They portray the fragility and preciousness of nature on the one hand and exemplify the enduring power and resolve of nature - on the other.
These photographs were created on - The West Coast of Ireland, that has recently become known as “The Wild Atlantic Way” - the longest defined coastal touring route in the world.
It is my home and the source of both my subject matter and the inspiration for my work.
Title : Salt Study #1
Date : 21.12.2016
Location : Cois Farraige, West Cork, Ireland
Medium : Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Pearl 320gsm
Edition : In a Limited Edition of 3 with 1 x Artist’s proof
Title : Exhydria
Date : 03.12.2018
Location : Dunworley, West Cork, Ireland
Medium : Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Pearl 320gsm
Edition : In a Limited Edition of 3 with 1 x Artist’s proof
My work outside, is based upon an intimate relationship with nature. It’s not about documenting a specific time or place - its about harnessing the feeling. I want to create a picture that resonates with the viewer on a deep emotional level. I want them to feel touched and affected, to get something from it, to remember it… ~ David Magee, October 2020
Exhibition Details
The exhibition is part of the Start Art Fair at Saatchi Gallery,
Address:
Saatchi Gallery,
Duke Of York's HQ,
King's Road,
London,
SW3 4RY
Dates of Exhibition: 21-25 October 2020
Title : The Pebble
Date : 16.08.2018
Location : South Ring, West Cork, Ireland
Medium : Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Pearl 320gsm
Edition : In a Limited Edition of 3 with 1 x Artist’s proof
Title : Kind of Blue
Date : 31.08.2018
Location : Inchydoney Island, West Cork, Ireland
Medium : Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Pearl 320gsm
Edition : In a Limited Edition of 3 with 1 x Artist’s proof
Title : Stratum
Date : 8.09.2018
Location : Mizen Head, West Cork, Ireland
Medium : Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Pearl 320gsm
Edition : In a Limited Edition of 3 with 1 x Artist’s proof
Title : Salmo Salar
Date : 01.12.2018
Location : Dunworley, West Cork, Ireland
Medium : Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Pearl 320gsm
Edition : In a Limited Edition of 3 with 1 x Artist’s proof