Portraits of activists and campaigners featured in Mayo exhibition

Linenhall Gallery in Castlebar, is set to exhibit a new body of work by Paul MacCormaic from Friday, March 6.

‘The Vanquished Writing History’ is described as a series of portraits of campaigners, or their advocates, who have found themselves marginalised, ostracised, vilified, or disbelieved. It highlights how they have told their own stories and made a positive contribution to Irish society, usually through activism, advocacy, or through the courts.

“I began painting the series in response to the well-known expression that ‘history is written by the victorious’. I want to counter this by depicting people who are working against the established views and writing their own history.

“Those who normally have portraits painted are usually part of the élite, politicians, CEOs, and archbishops. Simply painting a portrait of an ordinary person is an act of defiance,” said McCormaic.

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Catherine Corless, the historian who uncovered the Tuam mother and baby home tragedy, was the first person to agree to be portrayed. That portrait was purchased by the National Gallery of Ireland for its permanent collection; however is being borrowed to feature in the exhibition. 

Others, such as Vicky Phelan, the women’s health activist who uncovered the cervical smear scandal, joined the list. 

“My portrait of the refugee rights activist Lucky Khambule won best portrait at the RHA in 2023. Also included is Anne Murphy, former lover of Bishop Eamo Casye, Martin Collins,  Traveller activist, and the three Kavanagh sisters, survivors of child sexual abuse.” MacCormaic added. 

Those working on the legacy of The Troubles are also recognised, including Paddy Armstrong of the Guilford Four, who was falsely imprisoned for 15 years. Relatives of victims of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings are represented by Margaret Urwin, who, although not related to any of them, is the main driver behind ‘Justice for the Forgotten’. 

The final painting completed for the exhibition is a posthumous portrait of Sister Stanislaus Kennedy, known as Sister Stan. The project began in May 2021 and was first exhibited in February 2025.

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