Artist with Tullamore connections unveils Architects of Agreement portrait series

Today, Wednesday April 5, artist Shane Gillen, best known for his Pandemic Portraits, launches The Architects of Agreement, a hand-drawn portrait series commemorating the signatories of the Good Friday Agreement, 25 years on.

Shane spent part of his childhood in Tullamore and went to Colaiste Choilm.

Approaching the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, Shane has unveiled The Architects of Agreement, a collection of hand-drawn portraits commemorating the signatories of the agreement in honour of 25 years of peace on the island of Ireland.

The artist’s latest work, which will be an ongoing project, features over 30 portraits of politicians, civil rights activists, and community leaders who played a pivotal role in the formation of the peace process.

Best known for his Pandemic Portraits, for which he was recognised by President Michael D. Higgins, Shane was inspired to create the series by an interest in Irish history and his childhood memories of coverage of the Troubles and the joy he witnessed when peace was formally made.

Commenting on the series, Gillen said, "I have always been fascinated by the story of the Good Friday Agreement and the impact it had on Ireland and Northern Ireland. I wanted to pay tribute to those who worked tirelessly to bring peace to the region, and I hope to help raise awareness of the continued importance of peace and reconciliation as we enter a new phase in our history, with talk of checks and borders once more in the public consciousness.”

A short film accompanies the project and features a specially commissioned reworking of Paul Brady's The Island, arranged and performed by Sligo artist Honas.

Shane came to prominence in the early days of the Coronavirus pandemic, when his Pandemic Portraits series went viral online during lockdown. To date, his work has raised almost a quarter of a million euro for charity; has been featured nationally and internationally on radio and television and in print media, including The New York Times; and has been recognised by President Michael D. Higgins. You can find Shane online on Twitter and Instagram.