Reflecting on a Remarkable Year: PIGSY Art’s 2024 Journey
Happy New Year!
As we usher in 2024, I take a moment to reflect on the incredible art achievements from the past year. It has become a tradition for me to write this annual blog, sharing my milestones, experiences, and the personal growth I’ve encountered through my art. Each year, I gain gratitude from reviewing everything I’ve accomplished and look forward to setting new intentions and resolutions for the year ahead. This reflection not only serves as a record of the year’s artistic journey but also offers a chance to connect deeper with my creative goals for 2024.
Celebrating the New Year in Ajijic, Mexico
This year, I am writing from the picturesque town of Ajijic in Jalisco, Mexico, a place that has become increasingly special to me. As I prepare to share my art experiences, I’m also reflecting on the vibrant celebrations that marked the beginning of this year.
In a way, it felt like a continuation of my 2021 New Year’s celebration in Spain, but with a unique Mexican twist. On New Year’s Eve, we joined in the 12 Grapes Tradition, a celebratory ritual where you eat one grape with each chime of midnight, making a wish for each corresponding month of the upcoming year. This tradition gave me the opportunity to set positive intentions for 2024 in a symbolic and fun way.
The evening was magical, shared with friends and fellow artists from the 360XQMX Art Residency. We had dinner in Ajijic, and later walked back to the residency headquarters to ring in the new year on the roof, overlooking the town. The streets were alive with multi-generational families, cooking traditional Mexican food, setting off fireworks, and enjoying each other’s company. The air was filled with vibrant energy, from the colorful fireworks in the skies above Lake Chapala to the lively music and dancing that carried on late into the night. It was a truly unforgettable experience—a perfect way to start the new year!
PIGSY Art: A Year of Growth and Global Exposure
Now, let’s take a look at some of the biggest highlights and achievements of PIGSY Art throughout 2024. This year has been one of remarkable growth and international exposure, with my work being showcased in various countries and artistic environments. Below are some of the key milestones I’m proud to share:
Global Art Exhibitions and Residencies
In 2024, my work reached new audiences worldwide. Here are just a few of the standout events:
PIGSY at the "Dyslexia Quande Arte" Exhibition in Brazil – My artwork was part of this global exhibition, presented by Domlexia, which celebrated dyslexic artists from around the world. It was an honor to contribute to this important event.
Sound & Vision Exhibition in Dublin – Curated by Dino Notaro of Slow Lane Gallery, my artwork was selected for this stunning exhibition at the Ranelagh Arts Centre in Dublin, Ireland.
Art Residency in Malaga, Spain – I was offered an Art Residency at the La Casa Amarilla Gallery, where I had the chance to create new work in the inspiring surroundings of Calle Santos Studios in Malaga. This experience was one of the most fulfilling of the year.
Solo Exhibition in Malaga – My solo exhibition, “First Things Last”, was hosted by La Casa Amarilla Gallery in Malaga, Spain. The event allowed me to showcase my latest works and connect with art enthusiasts and collectors.
Dia de Muertos Art Residency in Mexico – I traveled to Mexico to participate in the 360XQMX Art Residency, where I was invited by Residency Director Bethany Puttnam to immerse myself in the traditions of Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead).
Artistas Juntos Salon in Ajijic, Mexico – I had the honor of taking part in this cultural gathering in Ajijic, Mexico, where I presented the PIGSY film and a reading of my poem “An Unknown Girl”, which was inspired by the Dia de Muertos celebrations.
Art Prints and Original Art Sold to Collectors – The “Squash Soldiers” prints found new homes with art collectors in Ireland and the United States, with prints now displayed in Ranelagh, Dublin, Providence, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania, while original art is now newly hung in 2024 in Spain, Ireland and Canada.
While in Spain I got to travel to Malaga, Madrid, Sevilla and Granada which was something that I actively wanted to do having last spent time in Spain during the pandemic with no travel being allowed outside the region I was in.
The Very Private Art Gallery Residency in Madrid – I was selected for this prestigious Art Residency in Madrid, Spain, which allowed me to further refine my artistic practice in a new environment.
I interviewed and spoke with psychologist, writers and color consultants as preparation and background material for my “Sorry Series” art works - a big thanks to all involved with this interview programme.
Artist Residency at Casa Lu Sur in Mexico City – Another milestone came when I attended the Casa Lu Sur Residency in Tlalpan, Mexico City, where I was immersed in the vibrant Mexican art scene.
Solo Exhibition in Mexico City – I presented my solo exhibition “Tá Brón Orm” (I Am Sorry / Lo Siento) at Casa Lu Sur, marking a significant moment in my artistic journey.
PIÑA-POLIS Showcase in Malaga – I was honored to be selected as one of the showcase artists for the PIÑA-POLIS exhibition, presented at the La Casa Amarilla Contemporary Art & Culture Centre in Carreteria Gallery, Malaga.
Return to Ajijic for an Artist Residency – I’m currently working on a solo exhibition, set to be presented in January 2025, as part of my ongoing Artist Residency at 360XQMX in Ajijic.
2024: A Year of Networking, Collaborating, and Meeting Creatives
As I look back on this year, one word that comes to mind is networking. 2024 was a year of connecting with creatives, collaborating with artists from different backgrounds, and sharing my artistic vision with the world. I traveled across Spain and Mexico, each location offering a unique perspective on art, culture, and creativity. The conversations I had and the relationships I built were invaluable, teaching me new ways to approach my work and inspiring me in ways I never imagined.
This year was truly a life-changing experience, and I am deeply grateful for every opportunity, every challenge, and every person I met along the way. The support I received from fellow artists, art enthusiasts, and collectors has been immeasurable. It has pushed me to new creative heights and encouraged me to continue evolving as an artist. Through travelling and attending Art Residencies in Mexico has meant that I have experienced and learnt so much about Mexican traditions and culture and it is something that will feed in to my artwork in the future.
As we step into 2024, I feel more energized than ever to continue my art practice and to share more of my work with the world. I’m excited for the opportunities the new year will bring, and I’m eager to continue creating, collaborating, and connecting with like-minded souls.
I give thanks to all of those that I have met over the year (including artists, writers and creatives from countries such as Spain, Mexico, USA, UK, China, France and other far flung places) but also give thanks to all who have supported me in my endevours including art collectors who have placed my work in their homes, Gallery Directors and Colleagues who have believed in me and selected my works for exhibition, Curators who included me in their curated group shows and finally my wife Enid who gives me neverending support and has travelled alongside me as I bring the PIGSY Art Show around the world. Thank you all!
2025 and onwards for PIGSY Art
With the turning of the year, the art work continues and currently I am working on two imminent projects with one being a solo art exhibition here in Ajijic in Jalisco Mexico and the other being an Irish group show that curator Dino Notaro selected my work for inclusion. So all ready 2025 is shaping up to being an exciting year!