About the Artists Database

The NIVAL Artists Database has been compiled in order to improve public access to the Library's extensive information files on 20th century and contemporary Irish artists.  These files contain exhibition catalogues, newspaper cuttings and ephemera on over 3,500 artists born or based in Ireland.

The Artists Database is a reference resource providing basic biographical and work details on each artist abstracted from the information contained in the hard copy files held in the Library.  It is important to realise that the records are a summary of the information held in each artist's file.  A visit to NIVAL is recommended to researchers seeking a comprehensive view of the actual files.

Although we have endeavoured to ensure the information is correct, it is inevitable, given the diverse sources of information, that some inaccuracies may occur.  Changes and updates are made on an ongoing basis and the Library welcomes suggestions, criticism, and donations of relevant material.

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  • Reference Code:IE/NIVAL AR/2093
  • First Name: Dermot
  • Last Name: Seymour
  • Gender: Male
  • Date of Birth: 1956
  • Place of Birth: Belfast
  • Nationality: Irish
  • Website: www.dermotseymour.ie
  • Area Of Practice:
    • Painting
  • Artwork Type Technique:
    • Oil Painting
    • Drawings
  • Abstract/Figurative: Figurative
  • Genre:
    • Subject / Portrait
  • Interests:
    • Politics
    • National Identity
    • Ideology
    • Social History
    • Religion
  • Represented By: Kevin Kavanagh Gallery, 
  • Public Art: No
  • Size: 20+
  • Manuscript Material: No
  • Physical Location: Artist Files Collection
  • Public Collection:
    • Arts Council of Ireland.
    • Other

other Info Source:

Buckman's Dictionary of Artists in Britain since 1945 (1998)

Awards

1983 Claremorris Open Prize, Second Prize
1985 Claremorris Open First Prize

Bibliography

Kelly, Liam, Thinking Long: Contemporary Art in the North of Ireland, Kinsale, Gandon Editions, 1997

Education

1981 University Of Ulster, BA Fine Art.

Conservation Required

remove staples, paper clips etc photocopy newspaper cuttings catalogues to be scanned

Notes

Seymour creates highly finished images of domestic animals that blend realism with surrealism. Emblems and signs hidden within the image expose political influences. Animals are incongruously mixed with human beings in order to explore instinctual behaviour and the idea of mutual dependence. Seymour's paintings also have a subtle sense of humour, exposing the incongruities of life. Seymour has exhibited extensively throughout Ireland and Britain. His work is represented in numerous prestigious public and private collections. File contains newspaper clippings, press releases, catalogues and images of the artist's work.

There is a file in the digital ephemera related to this artist. If you have a login then click here to access it.