Bundoran surf art exhibition to explore Ireland’s relationship with the Atlantic
Saltwater II – An Exhibition of Irish Surf Art opens on Friday, September 25 at the Kevin Lowery Gallery
A Bundoran art exhibition is bringing together a collection of work by 20 artists that explore Ireland’s relationship with the Atlantic and the lives, traditions and communities shaped by it.
Saltwater II – An Exhibition of Irish Surf Art opens on Friday, September 25 at the Kevin Lowery Gallery.
Following the inaugural Saltwater exhibition in 2025, this second edition of the exhibition looks beyond surfing alone to consider the sea’s wider influence on coastal life, culture and creativity.
From the freedom and physical energy of riding waves to the quieter realities of living beside an unpredictable ocean, the exhibition presents varied responses to life on Ireland’s Atlantic Edge.
The exhibition has been organised by Kevin Lowery, a Bundoran-based Irish visual artist known for his expressive paintings of the Atlantic coast. Kevin established his gallery and working studio in Bundoran to exhibit contemporary Irish art and create opportunities for artists connected to the sea and coastal culture.
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With artwork selected through an open call, the exhibition is rooted in the distinctive landscape and character of Ireland’s West coast.
While some works capture the movement, exhilaration and community surrounding surf culture, others reflect on local identity, memory and the resilience of coastal communities. The exhibition also considers the vulnerability of the coastline and the growing importance of protecting Ireland’s marine and shoreline environments.
Working across painting, print, photography, sculpture and mixed media, participating artists include Barry Britton, Easkey Britton, Tiffany Budd, Maria Cadden, Darragh Gorman, Rowan Huber, Lisa Hughes, M.A. Littler, Katie Lodge, Kevin Lowery, Lauren Martin, Eibhlin McCarry, Gavin McCrea, Síofra Ní Bhroin, Kate O’Neill, Tess Shaw, Helen Shepherd, Síle Walsh, Kai Wilmott and Gillian Wright.
The Kevin Lowery Gallery invites the public to meet the participating artists at the exhibition opening and Saltwater Festival launch on Friday, September 25 at 6pm.
Saltwater II – An Exhibition of Irish Surf Art runs at the Kevin Lowery Gallery, Unit 10, Bundoran Retail Park, Bundoran F94 KH94, from September 25 to October 11.