Joseph McWilliams, P.P.R.U.A.

Born and brought up in Belfast, McWilliams's oeuvre is closely linked to the socio-political history of the city.  Since the 1970s, he has been particularly inspired by the parades, both nationalist and loyalist that are an on-going element of life in Ulster. The present work focuses on the annual parade of the Orange Order, held each 12th July.  Although the parades can be politically charged, the 'Twelfth of July Parade is also a marvellous, colourful spectacle whatever its political or religious base. The simple mechanics of this event appeal to me as a painter. The movement of colour on the streets becomes the textural movement of paint which then develops a life and language of its own...' (Joseph McWilliams, 1996, quoted in Colour on the March, exh.cat., Cavehill Gallery, Belfast, March 1997). 

McWilliams studied at the Belfast College of Art and he has exhibited extensively internationally at institutions such as the Whitechapel Gallery, London; Documenta 6, Kassel; Smithsonian Institute, Washington; Tom Caldwell Gallery, Belfast and Royal Hibernian Academy, Dublin. He was President of the Royal Ulster Academy from 2000 - 2004.