Entertainment

Camino de Santiago the way to an inner journey for artist Daniel Dowling

Daniel Dowling's show at the Cultúrlann is a visual diary of his 1,000km walk across Spain as well as a journey through his life
Daniel Dowling's show at the Cultúrlann is a visual diary of his 1,000km walk across Spain as well as a journey through his life Daniel Dowling's show at the Cultúrlann is a visual diary of his 1,000km walk across Spain as well as a journey through his life

REVIEW

Via de Plata, Camino de Santiago

By Daniel Dowling

BELFAST artist Daniel Dowling never fails to surprise and entertain with his paintings and his current exhibition at Cultúrlann, Falls Road is no exception.

Firstly it’s a visual diary of his 1,000km walk across Spain; secondly it was a journey through his life, coming to terms with the past and, he says, finding his identity at 62 years of age. It’s an intriguing story that connects the 14 artworks depicting the landscapes and his discovery of links between Irish and Spanish cultures.

“Back in the mists of time, the Milesians, a people from northern Spain, invaded and occupied Ireland, bringing with them their Celtic culture and language.” And so began a mystic and fascinating story in watercolour, oil and pencil on paper.

Almost out of place is the large scale work showing shoppers walking along Donegall Square West, their bags overflowing, stern looks on their faces. “That’s the baggage we all carry.”

On his journey Daniel took the path of the ancient Celts, following the ley lines to Finisterre – Spanish for 'the end of the world' – in the far north west of Galicia.

“They made these journeys to examine and explore their concept of reality. They walked to the very edge of what they thought was a flat Earth and peered over the edge into the abyss. Like them, as I walked I was able to look back on my life and examine the baggage.”

One painting depicts a ventriloquist doll’s head, one quarter of the skull open, little people slaving away inside.

“My parents wallpapering my brain and so my outlook on life,” Daniel explains. “I now know I can wallpaper my own life thanks to that walk and the chance to steep myself in the history and culture of the country and the opportunity to put my experience on canvass.”

:: Runs throughout December; culturlann.ie; 028 9096 4180.