In what will be the first solo show by the artist in Scotland, Arusha Gallery is pleased to present Midnight Candy by Fiona Finnegan.
Having initially studied Music and Visual Practice at Brighton University, it’s perhaps unsurprising that much of Finnegan’s work is musically inspired. This inspiration is evident in Midnight Candy which is comprised of many works titled with excerpts of song lyrics such as, ‘Tupelo’ and ‘But the Sun is Eclipsed by the Moon’.
Although the works do not aim to directly represent these lyrics, they draw from them a certain mood and sensibility – capturing the artist’s distinctive creative style, fusing dark gothic mysticism with a radical rock ‘n’ roll punch.
Fiona Finnegan – She’s a rainbow (violet), oil on wood 
Fiona Finnegan – Tupelo, oil on wood
The title of the show itself, Midnight Candy – a flower which only blooms in the moonlight, releasing a sweet intoxicating scent which intensifies with the darkness, wonderfully evokes Finnegan’s unique artistic practice, inspired by the natural environment and never rushed.
Finnegan is a painter who allows her work to form organically, preferring not to push herself towards a deadline, meaning each collection is fully formed in advance of each exhibition which often span months or years – ultimately providing the viewer with a real sense of cohesion and unity when looking at the work.
Midnight Candy is no exception and in this haunting, almost mythical collection, the artist’s work evokes a sense of Romanticism in relation to her approach to external landscapes, with each piece seemingly looking to these places to find meaning.
Living and working in Belfast, Finnigan said: “My work is interested in natural phenomena and the human experience of it both real and imagined, and in particular at the interface between the cosmos and mythology.”
Fiona Finnegan – Beast of burden, oil on wood 
Fiona Finnegan – The last sunset oil, on-wood
Agnieszka Prendota, Creative Director at Arusha Gallery said: “We present Midnight Candy a solo show by Fiona Finnegan and I am so thrilled to see this group of hauntingly beautiful works shown in the midst of Scottish autumn.
“Their romantic outreach and contemplative atmosphere have the power to recenter, as well as inspire a longing – nudging the viewer towards a search for meaning and delight in their physical form.
“The exhibition marks an important milestone in our journey with the artist working in close collaboration with Domobaal in London to realise this wonderful show.”
Exhibition Dates: 31st October – 21st November 2020
Arusha Gallery Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 1pm to 5pm.
