118
109 George Campbell RHA RUA (1917-1979)
Carol Singers, Malaga
Oil on board, 100 x 75cm (39½ X 29½”)
Signed
Exhibited: The
RHA Annual Exhibition
1967 Catalogue No. 21
Exhibited at the RHA, 1967,
Carol Singers, Malaga
was executed during a high point in the artist’s career.
Other works from this period include,
Musicians, Virginia
and
The Street Musicians
. Often stating he painted
according to his mood, Campbell’s application of warm tones, blues and pinks signify contentment. Years
earlier, he had won prizes and found patronage in the Catholic Church with his stained glass designs.
Musically gifted, Campbell’s Aunt Kitty and Mother, Gretta Bowen, a primitive painter were both musical
and his Grandfather played the Clarinet. Speaking about his musical background in a BBC interview in
1973, he remarked, “So, I presume music was being syphoned through to me most of the time and its power
to move and interest me stays firmly with me and I believe, influences my work greatly.”
George or “Jorge” as his Spanish friends knew him was a fluent Spanish speaker and was an accomplished
Flamenco guitarist. Fascinated with Spain, he returned to Malaga annually for the winter months living in
a fishing village, Pedregalejo, a short bus ride from the city.
Influenced by Picasso and Braque, this large work of carol singers was more than likely executed in his new
studio in Ranelagh, Dublin. Walking around Malaga city during the winter months, Campbell absorbed
the atmosphere preferring to make quick sketches of “its introverted extrovert people, its song and dance.”
On his return to Dublin each spring, he recalled the scenes he enjoyed most, arranging the subject as he
imagined them in a quasi-cubist style. Employing structure and form the figures are depicted in various
sizes, the sombrero hats, circular tambourines and round jingles add pattern, shape and design.
In an interview in the 1970’s Campbell was asked how did he think Spain regarded him, “Spain-What do
they think of me? I suppose an Irishman domiciled in Spain. A nutty Irishman playing flamenco.” In 1978,
Campbell received the honour of being given a knighthood from Spain. In 2006, Malaga, honoured the
artist by naming a roundabout
Glorieta Jorge Campbel
l on the road to his village, Pedregalejo.
Karen Reihill
Currently working on a loan exhibition,“George Campbell &The Belfast Boys”for the Clandeboye Festival,
summer, 2015.
€8,000 - 12,000
