Mrs Marianna O'Reilly

Nationality: United Kingdom

Year: 2000

Subject Area: Arts and Humanities

Website: Visit (opens in a new window)

As a Wingate Scholar of 1999-2002 I found the support of the Wingate Foundation invaluable in allowing me to pursue, develop and explore the medium of painting. It was an important experience in the beginning of my artistic career to be in such a nourishing and challenging environment as the Royal Academy Schools, to have a studio in central London as part of a well established cultural institution such as the Royal Academy and to be in such close proximity to many other museums and galleries. I would like to thank Jane Reid , Faith Clark and Tony Wingate for supporting me throughout my years at the RA Schools.

I am also very grateful to have had so many important tutorials from a wide variety of contemporary artists, critics and professional practitioners. It was very useful to have access to the RA library and the life class as well as to learn essential computer skills.
Most importantly the Scholarship allowed me to stay focussed on the painting, develop ideas and to experiment in a nurturing environment. It was very useful to gain the experience of hanging and promoting the final show at the Schools.

I am glad to have made so many good friends at the RA Schools and to have met other Wingate Scholars at the annual reception. I have found the framework very supportive and helpful and hope to continue to be in touch with Wingate in the future.

Since my graduation in 2002 I have been practising as an artist. I have exhibited widely in the medium of painting, co-written, illustrated and published a number of artist’s books and designed an artist website. I am currently working in new media and developing an installation to be exhibited in Hoxton, London in February 2008 and in production of a second video work. I am a member of the Bermondsey Artists’ Group, have exhibited at the London Biennale 2006, Century Gallery and Café Gallery Projects in London, Cornerhouse and Castlefield galleries in Manchester and the Celeste Art Prize.

Painting: Want-oil-on-canvas.