The 52nd State of Mind 2015
“Your talk,” I said, “is surely the handiwork of wisdom because not one word of it do I understand.”
Flann O’Brien, The Third Policeman
Each year, I hold a completely independent exhibition to focus on exploring what’s
essential in my work, free of external pressures. This is my annual Special Show
where you can see me as I am.
As an artist, I’m not only interested in the imaginative and conceptual nature of my
art; I’m also dedicated to the craft element. For me they’re indivisible. I have always
wanted to create interesting things well.
My influences are broad: Hopper, definitely; and classical painters for their skill. A
stronger influence though, is so-called Pop Culture. I love great illustration work:
From Alphonse Mucha to graphic novels and the Hi-Fructose imaginative art that
comes out of the US. I was entranced by the cover art for sci-fi novels and comics of
my youth. My old schoolfriends will attest to the fact that I spent most of my time in
class drawing spaceships…
So this is my one-man Cultural Event. This is my State of Mind. The 52nd State to
my Union so far – and I’m still adding states to the Republic of McSherry. It has taken
a lifetime just to get to here, but I shall press on with my explorations without stint.
Journeying in splendid solitude, searching and taking in new marvels; fantastic lands;
stupendous territories. This is how I am now. By next year, I’ll have moved on again if
my legs will still hold me up…
Kevin McSherry
For Cathy and the littl’uns