Rothe House & Garden is delighted to announce, “Confluence’’ a collaborative exhibition bringing together the work of contemporary artists Oliver Bennett and Claire Mulcahy from August 21–30, 2026.
This new exhibition celebrates two distinctive artistic voices, united by a shared exploration of colour, emotion, texture, and the power of abstraction. Through contrasting yet complementary approaches, Claire and Oliver invite viewers into immersive visual experiences where landscape, memory, and personal expression converge.
Claire Mulcahy’s work draws inspiration from the ever-changing beauty of coastal landscapes. This recent body of work was inspired by the intrigue that was visible and ever-changing over a period of six days at Lighthouse Hill, Mayo in February 2025. This is where the process began.
Colour and shape are the essential connection when exploring the relationship between land, sea and sky. Shifting light conditions in weather allow the energy to work itself through to create and transform familiar landscapes into expressive abstract experiences.
Working primarily with acrylic paints, collage and layering, Claire captures the essence of the coast. This draws the viewer to connect and reflect on the beauty of the scape.
Oliver Bennett’s large-scale paintings are deeply rooted in emotional exploration and the inner landscape of the psyche. With a practice shaped by experimentation and a fascination with contemporary abstraction, Oliver uses colour, texture, and materiality to translate thoughts and feelings onto canvas. His current focus lies in the richness and depth of oil paint as his primary medium.
Oliver continues to refine and challenge his artistic process in this new collection. Inspired by influential abstract artists such as Rothko and Newman, his paintings reflect a sensitivity to space, atmosphere, and the emotional resonance of colour. His layered compositions invite contemplation, encouraging viewers to connect with the moods and sensations held within each piece.
Together, Claire and Oliver present a collection that explores two different pathways into abstraction: one through the emotional and psychological language of colour and texture, and the other through the transformation of natural landscapes into expressive visual narratives.
“Confluence” offers visitors the opportunity to experience a dialogue between two artists whose practices celebrate experimentation, perception, and the enduring ability of abstract art to evoke feeling and imagination.
The exhibition will be open to the public at:
Rothe House
Kilkenny, R95 P89C
August 21–30, 2026
10 am to 6 pm
