Gerry Gleason tells Brian McAvera how his use of symbol and metaphor is a visual tactic designed to draw the viewer into an engagement with his painting that transcends the parochial
Brian McAvera: Gerry, like many of the key Northern Irish painters, you were self-trained, and like Matisse, came rather late to painting. Can you tell us about your early circumstances, how you came to take up painting, and how you trained yourself?
Gerry Gleason: It’s interesting that you make the point about Matisse. I found that I had a common bond with him through having my appendix removed! The story goes that he was handed a box of colours while recuperating in hospital. Similarly with me: I was quite ill after the operation and after it I wanted to paint. It was like a rebirth for me.
