Niall Breslin opens first solo exhibition by a teenage artist in Roscommon

George Naughton, a 13-year-old boy from Roscommon, is set to showcase his first solo exhibition at Anam Gallery Roscommon from November 08 to December 02. 

Dublin-born musician Niall Breslin - or ‘Bressie’ - is set to open George’s exhibition on Wednesday, November 08, at 4.30pm. 

George has a rare genetic condition called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), and his art tells a positive story in a life with so many challenges.  

He is an inspiration with a command of his thoughts and artistic expression unrivalled for his age. George will exhibit his series: ‘Mountains of Thought, Being Free, Walking Our Own Path, Oceans’.

George Naughton artwork 

Despite living with a catastrophic and terminal muscle-wasting illness, the teenage artist has found a way to express his thoughts and feelings through art. When he was 12, his older brother Archie died of the same illness. George, understandably, struggled to express his profound loss, fear and grief.

With the support of Rita Oates, he began attaching words and titles to his art.  

The collection of pieces being exhibited is unique, thought-provoking and filled with hope. 

It challenges the viewer to reach their interpretation/conclusions whilst sharing the central theme that we are entitled to our thoughts; it is okay to feel sad, lost or alone; that we must all strive to follow our path; to share our own unique story; to be our person but never forget that we are all connected and valued.

‘Lust for Life’ Charity, founded by the Dublin-born musician, aims to support young people in Ireland and beyond. It empowers young people “to be effective guardians of their own mind – and to be the leaders that drive our society towards a better future”.

Of his enormous contribution to Mental Health and sharing the same values and a deep desire to support others, the young artist feels so prevailed and humbled that ‘Bressie’ is opening his first solo exhibition. 

Picture is George Naughton. Photo: Join Our Boys Trust/Facebook

The exhibition is said to showcase George’s “powerful work that will inspire, uplift and stir the emotions in all that come to visit”, organisers said. 

“George is an inspiration with a command of his thoughts and artistic expression unrivalled for his age.

“One of George’s many talents is the manner in which he illustrates how art can open our hearts and minds to finding our truths and expressing ourselves. But he also shows us how to enjoy, experiment and be free…Free to Choose …Free to live… Free to be oneself…”