Cork artist commemorates ‘Yes vote’ anniversary with beautiful exhibition

A young gay artist, from Cork city, has paid tribute to four of Ireland’s most prominent gay rights campaigners in the run-up to the anniversary of Ireland’s historic ’Yes vote’.

Four portraits were created by Cork College of Art and Design student Stephen Doyle as a personal homage and commemoration to those who have contributed to equal rights in Ireland.

The 21-year-old artist is displaying his portraits of Darren Kennedy, Tonie Walsh, Senator David Norris and Grainne Healy at the K-Fest music and arts festival in Killorglin, Co Kerry from June 3-6.

The portraits will then be individually presented to the gay rights campaigners.

Stephen said, "Without these courageous people who fought to make their voices heard, thousands of people would still have conflicting thoughts between self and society.

"Their efforts have succeeded in challenging our country’s - and indeed the world’s - ideology of a heteronormative lifestyle, and each of us is the better for it."

Senator David Norris said these portraits are symbolic of a great deal of effort that went into changing people’s perceptions of the LGBT community.

"It is very comforting and reassuring after the long journey for equality and hopefully an indicator of how young people will feel more comfortable with themselves in the decades to come."

via breakingnews.ie