Artist pushes the boundaries of possibility with new exhibition – Largs and Millport Weekly News

The Outwith exhibit features a showcase of the work of talented Irvine-based artist Kevin
O’Rourke and is now open.

‘Outwith’ takes its inspiration from the Scottish word meaning ‘outside or beyond’.

Artist Kevin is no stranger to the arts scene, as when he’s not unleashing his creativity, he’s the caretaker at the Harbor Arts Center in Irvine.

Kevin said: “Having already exhibited my work recently at the HAC, I’m delighted that Outwith has now made the journey to Millport as the Garrison is such a historic and famous place.”

Kevin has always been an artist. From Glasgow, Covent Garden in London, France, Switzerland and Guernsey, his work is all over the world.

Out of bounds: Kevin O’Rourke at a previous exhibition (Image: NAC) However, during the pandemic, when galleries closed and everyone was focused on staying safe at home, Kevin looked inward, creating experimental works closer to home.

Kevin added: “Covid has completely changed my approach and style.

“The works on display at Outwith reflect the time during Covid when everything was closed and getting outdoors became more important than ever.

“After Covid, I think I’m experimenting more, trying different media, but mostly
I’ve turned to landscapes in my recent works that I hadn’t really explored before.

The challenge of Covid has led Kevin to explore local landscapes for art inspiration and he hopes it will encourage people to visit these climates (Image: NAC) “Spending time outdoors continues to be vital to my health and well-being, and the pandemic has allowed me to look closer to home for inspiration.

“The lockdowns have definitely made me appreciate our own landscapes here in North Ayrshire, we are really lucky and I hope the work I have on display will encourage visitors to explore our amazing coastline too.”

Entrance is free.

The exhibition is open from 9am to 5pm (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday), Tuesday from 9am to 6pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 3pm.