A new solo exhibition by Roscommon-based visual artist Michaela McCarroll has officially opened at the Athlone Art Gallery, located in The Village at Burgess on Lloyd's Lane. The gallery expressed its delight in showcasing McCarroll's work, marking her first solo exhibition at the prestigious venue.

McCarroll, who specializes in oil on canvas paintings, brings an impressive educational background to her artistic practice. She graduated with a BA Honors Degree in Fine Art from University College Wales Aberystwyth in 1996, establishing a strong foundation for her artistic career that has spanned nearly three decades.

The exhibition centers around McCarroll's deep fascination with horses, which serves as the primary inspiration for her artistic expression. According to the exhibition description, horses have long held a powerful appeal for the artist, with both the visual beauty of the equine form and the sensory experience of being around these majestic animals playing integral roles in driving her creative work.

One of the featured works in the exhibition is titled 'Ghost,' which exemplifies McCarroll's artistic vision and her connection to equine subjects. The gallery notes that McCarroll views horses as kindred spirits in what she perceives as an increasingly overwhelming and hostile environment that is often too noisy, superficial, and demanding of unquestioning compliance.

In her artist statement, McCarroll describes her perspective on horses as empathetic souls that provide comfort and understanding. She sees them as companions that remind us we are not alone in a society where people frequently struggle to understand each other's experiences of the world. This philosophical approach to her subject matter adds depth and meaning to her artistic representations.

The exhibition will remain on display at the Athlone Art Gallery through mid-September, giving art enthusiasts and the local community ample opportunity to experience McCarroll's work. The gallery's decision to feature her work reflects the growing recognition of her artistic talents and her unique perspective on the relationship between humans and horses in contemporary society.