George Callaghan

Down to the Lake-original surrealism landscape realism painting-contemporary Art

2025

George Callaghan, born in County Antrim, Northern Ireland in 1941, embarked on his artistic journey at a young age. Leaving school at 15, he began his career as an apprentice Commercial Artist at Nicholson and Bass. A year later, he secured a Scholarship to study Art at the Belfast College of Art, marking the beginning of his formal artistic education. Following his studies, Callaghan ventured to Dublin to work as a designer before relocating to London. His career then took him to Australia, where he spent several years working as an Art Director for leading advertising agencies. At the age of 32, he settled in Tasmania, where he resided for many years before a brief stint in France. Despite his travels, Callaghan maintains strong ties to his native Ireland, regularly returning to sketch and reconnect with friends. The move to Tasmania marked a significant shift in Callaghan's artistic focus. He established a studio where he continues to create, alongside crafting musical instruments and mastering the art of playing the harp. Revered as Australia's premier harp maker and a prominent figure in Celtic Harp music, Callaghan has released several recordings showcasing his musical talents. However, it is Callaghan's paintings that have garnered enduring interest. His works, whether rendered in Acrylic, Oil, or Pastel, possess a distinct narrative quality infused with elements of his Northern Irish heritage. Despite attending Art College, Callaghan attributes much of his artistic development to his experience in advertising, emphasizing the importance of technique over formal education. His paintings, characterized by a naive style, often feature landscapes devoid of depth, with stylized chimneys emitting puffs of smoke and trees resembling green spheres atop sticks. Drawing inspiration from surrealist painter Escher, Callaghan employs elements of symmetry and pattern in his work, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail. For enthusiasts entranced by the mesmerizing charm of realism in surrealism painting, George Callaghan’s portfolio beckons with an immersive voyage into a world of imagination and awe. Delve into his captivating creations, available for sale online, or immerse yourself in the enchantment at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery. “My work is a fusion of whimsy and introspection, drawing inspiration from the landscapes of my homeland and the vibrant tapestry of cultures I've encountered. Through my paintings, I aim to evoke a sense of wonder and contemplation, inviting viewers to explore the layers of meaning beneath the surface. With each brushstroke, I strive to capture the essence of my surroundings, infusing my compositions with a sense of narrative and emotion. Whether depicting landscapes, still lives, or abstract concepts, my goal is to create art that sparks conversation and invites viewers to embark on their own artistic journey”- George Callaghan