Camille Souter & Achill Island, Ireland

Contemporary artist Camille Souter first came to prominence in the international art scene in the 1960s. Her work tends to be small-scale, intimate and highly coloured, and while she has been associated with abstract expressionism most of her work retains a figurative element. Camille Souter was a member of the group the Irish Exhibition on Living Art, the movement established in 1943 to add an international dimension to Irish art. Two key figures in the group were Mainie Jellet and Evie Hone, artists who were also associated with Ernie O'Malley, the Burrishoole-based writer and champion of Irish art. Camille Souter, who has now established a strong reputation on the international art scene, continues to work on Achill Island as well as in Italy. Her enthusiasm for Mayo has seen her exhibit locally, including a 1999 show at the Linenhall in Castlebar along with another Living Arts group member, Nano Reid. For a report on this exhibition, and pictures of Camille's work, click here.