Latvian artist returns to Abbeyleix with new art display
Library assistant Martina O'Connor with artist Inguna Mainule-Finnerty and some of Inguna's exhibition pieces Photos: Stan Henderson
ABBEYLEIX library is hosting a wonderful art display by talented Latvian born artist Inguna Mainule-Finnerty, who holds a master’s degree in art and process.
Inguna has spent the last 25 years living in Ireland, beginning in Kildare, then Dublin before settling in Portlaoise with her husband.
In 2015, Inguna held her first solo exhibition, also in Abbeyleix library, and the subject for her works is a talented local artist named Mary Ryan, who exhibited her works in Bloom HQ, Mountrath last year. Both artists had studied art together in Abbeyleix FEC. Inguna said that a teacher was passing by the library in 2015 and saw the painting of Mary in the window. She recognised the subject as one of her pupils from when she was younger and purchased it.
Speaking to the while hanging her works, Inguna said that she is delighted to be showing her works in Abbeyleix library again, especially a decade on from her last exhibition there.
She said: “As a child, my mother said that I always had a talent for art and that I took after my grandfather. Art was a subject in school in Latvia and I really enjoyed it. After school, I went on to become a paramedic, but after several years I discovered that that wasn’t for me.” Following a tragedy in her life, Inguna returned to art and creativity, which, she said, gives her healing.
She said: “There’s a great therapeutic side to art. It is healing and painting can heal everybody. People who might struggle mentally can find great healing through painting. After my tragedy, my mother reminded me of my love for painting and I got back into it bit-by-bit and that is what made me smile after.” Inguna left a large drawing of her subject on a table as part of the exhibition with colouring pencils and crayons, inviting people who visit to add colour to the piece themselves. She also brought two potted bamboo plants, which, she says, represents renewal, growth, life and living in general.
Inguna’s art journey began in Abbeyleix FEC in 2015/2016. Her passion for art led her from Abbeyleix to studying fine art at TU Dublin, where she graduated with honours in 2019. She then went on to complete a master’s degree in art and process at MTU Crawford College of Art & Design in Cork in 2020.
Her dedication and talent have been recognised in many ways, including winning the 2019 regional award for the island of Ireland in the Global Undergraduate Awards for her art project. The same work was also shortlisted for the prestigious RDS Visual Art Awards that year.
Over the years, she has exhibited her work in Ireland and Latvia, with highlights including shows at the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) in Dublin, Gallery of Modern Art in Waterford (GOMA) and a powerful site-specific installation in Daugavpils, Latvia. In 2024, she was honoured to serve as a judge for the Global Undergraduate Awards, helping to recognise and support emerging artists.
Senior library assistant Vera Quinn said that Inguna’s exhibition is “well worth a visit.” She said: “We are delighted to have such a talented artist as Inguna back to us after ten years with her wonderful exhibition. The exhibition is on show for the month of April and we wish Inguna every success.” The artist can be contacted by emailing mainuleinguna@gmail.com and by searching @Inguna Mainule-Finnerty on Instagram.
