A WEST Cork-based artist, who has been described as ‘probably the best painter of his generation’, was recently shortlisted for the most recognised prize in Irish contemporary art at Vue 2017 at the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) gallery.

Charles Tyrrell, based on the Beara Peninsula, is one of only four Irish artists to have made the shortlist for the €5,000 Savills Art Prize, which was awarded to Clare-based artist Samuel Walsh.

The award is for any artist who has exhibited in the last year and made a substantial contribution to the visual arts in Ireland.

Janet Mullarney and John Gibbons were also nominated for the coveted award, presented by RHA director Dr Patrick Murphy on the first day of the event. Charles, who is a native of Trim, Co Meath and now lives and works in the Beara Peninsula, is an abstract painter of critical acclaim who has exhibited widely both in Ireland and abroad. 

He paints overlooking the Atlantic, far removed from urban centres, full of the normal inspirations of the contemporary art world.

He studied painting at the National College of Art and Design and often uses the media of aluminium, canvas and board. He is also a member of Aosdana, the State body set up through the Arts Council to recognise outstanding contributions to the creative arts in Ireland.

‘This is the third year the Savills Art Prize has been presented at Vue and we hope the award will become as important to Irish art as the Turner Prize is in the UK,’ said Vue 2017 organiser Louis O’Sullivan.