Presidential portrait? Niall O'Loughlin's caricature of Gay Byrne.
2011: BATTLE FOR THE ÁRAS IS A TRUE TEST OF CARICATURE. Irish Independent. April 2011.
One of the features of the State dining rooms in Áras an Uachtaráin is a series of portraits of past presidents. Traditionally, the studies by contemporary Irish artists are commissioned after the incumbent leaves office. However, Dunboyne artist Niall O'Loughlin has already jumped the gun by offering this cheeky likeness to officials in the Phoenix Park before Gay Byrne is elected President, or even announces his candidature in the Áras race.
"I'm all for Gaybo. What I've done is a caricature, but I think I've captured something very wise in Gay's eyes. I'd trust him to keep an eye on the politicians in this country," Niall told The Diary.
Given there are no election posters up for Gaybo yet, the picture, on display in the window of the Balla Bán Art Gallery in the Westbury Mall, is already attracting interest. You can see more of Niall's work at www.caricatures.ie