I’d like to thank the 4 members of KUBE for inviting me to open their group exhibition here, in Kilkenny, today. When Megan asked me to do this, I felt both honoured and humbled. I thought a lot about what I might say and, using the title of this exhibition “on . . . line” I kept on coming back to the definition I had learned - about a line connecting two points. So I thought about connections: such as this building which used to be home to Kilkenny College, where I work and Kilkenny City where Basil Goulding (who was a great patron of art and for whom my father worked) set up the seminal design centre and craft workshops.

Also, I remember one half-term, home from boarding school in the early 1960’s, my mother couldn’t wait to show us a painting she had bought – at some expense, no doubt, and the first of many – and to see our reaction. This was a large, ‘modern’ painting, difficult to see behind the glass of the frame. Nothing was clearly defined, even the colour was obscure. I think my brothers and I thought she was mad. But, perhaps, because of a genuine attempt to come to terms with her first acquisition, and to please her, I grew to understand and appreciate that painting very much. Since then, I have developed my own experiences of art. We are fortunate in this city and in this country to have access to art of infinite age and style and we are surrounded by a wondrously creative environment, as nature is the consummate artistry.

I had the pleasure of a brief meeting with Megan, Chris, Iseult and Ruth over a hasty lunch between the hangings here at the County Hall and at the Watergate Theatre (another connection – remember Dame Alice?). I had the perfect opportunity to see this group doing just what they do – their individual characters and styles and their combined energetic focus bringing this exhibition together. Here again, the title of the exhibition provokes thought. The line might show the connection between these 4 artists in their mutual support, but then allows them to cast different interpretations of the meaning and use of line – physically, visually stark, triggering a powerful response – to the softer, more vague outlines of landscape, memory or dreams and shapes within shapes. The titles of these works may speak for themselves and will stir reactions ranging from dislike to serenity. But do meet the artists and let them expand their individual objectives, further.

Here are 4 friendly conspirators, driven by a shared energy – more focussed in their maturity perhaps than the casual discoveries of a younger student – what they strive to create is both passionate and sincere – in some cases the result of conflicting emotions – and we are invited to share these creations and charged with making our own response. When an artist achieves a connection with the observer (or listener or reader) then that becomes a special and personal enchantment: two minds, meeting through the medium of a work of art. (It has to beat the virtual e-world that is so obsessing, today.)

There is a particular frisson to be felt at a 1st performance, a 1st viewing such as this evening’s. We are invited to share the fruits of creativity. Like my mother, our response is eagerly required. We may retain our initial reactions. Then we may abandon them or seek to know more, and in some – hopefully, many – cases, we may be tempted from within to make a purchase which will permit us to renew our experience repeatedly, allowing its origin to continue to elicit a response.

In declaring this exhibition “on . . . line” by the KUBE art group officially open, I urge you to take a few moments to view the works in the curved corridor and on the 1st floor here, and also in the upstairs foyer of the Watergate Theatre. Thank you.

David Milne.

July 2005

Kilkenny