Capturing the Irish Essence

Capturing the Irish Essence – A Talk by Vítor Vicente

Join us for a fascinating literary and artistic journey as Vítor Vicente presents Capturing the Irish Essence, a talk inspired by his book of prose poems, Harry Kernoff’s Guest. This evocative collection draws from the work of renowned Irish painter Harry Kernoff, celebrating the spirit, culture, and people of Ireland through the fusion of words and visual art.

With the generous permission of Kernoff’s grand-niece, Kate Kernoff, the book features reproductions of his paintings alongside Vicente’s poetic reflections. In this engaging talk, the author will delve into his creative process, the influence of Kernoff’s art, and the enduring connection between literature and painting in capturing Ireland’s rich heritage.

🎨 For lovers of Irish culture, art, and poetry

Step into the world of Harry Kernoff through the lens of prose poetry and discover Ireland’s essence in a whole new way!

Harry Kernoff (1900–1974) was a London-born artist who became one of Ireland’s most significant painters. After moving to Dublin in 1914, he studied at the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art and won the Taylor scholarship in 1923. Influenced by Seán Keating and Patrick Tuohy, he painted Irish landscapes, streetscapes, and portraits, often capturing the realities of working-class Dublin. A prolific artist, he portrayed literary and theatre figures such as James Joyce and W.B. Yeats. Elected to the Royal Hibernian Academy in 1936, Kernoff left a lasting legacy in Irish art.