Artist Statement:
“Nano Nagle’s story isn’t just history; it’s a testament to the enduring power of courage and compassion. In a time when societal barriers were insurmountable, she chose to dismantle them, one child at a time. Painting her portrait was an act of honouring that unwavering spirit, that ‘daring’ in the face of fear, that ‘trust’ amidst anxiety, and that ‘beginning’ despite impossibility.
Born into privilege, she traded ballrooms for back alleys, choosing the path of service over societal expectations. Like the ‘Lady of the Lantern,’ she illuminated the dark corners of Cork, not with wealth, but with education and hope. Her life was a rebellion against the constraints of her time, a bold declaration that every child, regardless of circumstance, deserved a chance.
The echoes of her footsteps still resonate in Cork’s streets, in the schools she founded, and in the Presentation Sisters who carry her legacy. She was a woman who, if alive today, would undoubtedly be a Nobel laureate, a force for change on a global scale.
My chalk & brush strokes sought to capture that essence: the strength that defied oppression, the tireless dedication that transformed lives, and the quiet determination that forever altered the landscape of Cork. This painting, created with acrylic base, chalk pastel, and water-based oils, is a tribute to Nano Nagle, a woman who dared to choose hope, and in doing so, inspired generations to do the same.”
Painting Details:
- Title: Nano, The Lady of the Lantern
- Artist: Onóir O Brien
- Medium: Acrylic base with Chalk pastel and Water based oil paints.
- Dimensions: 33 height x 25 width inches.
- Creation Period: October 2024 – March 2025.
