THEO - VENDEUR DE LUXE

Theo poses beside his paintings, smiling proudly.  He looks friendly, happy to discuss his art with any passers-by.  Fewer people are buying these days because of the recession but he still remains optimistic.  He comes here every Sunday rain or shine.  Today it looks like rain, a typical day in the Irish capital. He dons a green anorak and carefully drapes yards of plastic like gossamer, over his cherished paintings.  There won’t be many people out on such a day so he starts to pack up early.  After all he has been here since seven in the morning.  While his paintings are contemporary representing modern Dublin, they are set against the Georgian railings which symbolise old Dublin. As a Dubliner I remember visiting Merrion Square with my parents and this was my first exposure to art. Indeed the exhibition has been a regular feature of Dublin life for over 26 years.  It is a place where artists like Theo can showcase their works. The Merrion Square exhibition is a popular Dublin institution and I hope it will be around for a very long time.

- Victoria Vize