Biography
Derek Wilfred Menary was born in Belfast in 1943. He studied initially under G.G. McCann, a Northern Irish sculptor, followed by a foundation course at Belfast College of Art, and then a Studentship with Belfast Arts Theatre.
From 1964-69, the artist worked in the professional theatre – Belfast, Dublin, Canterbury and London. In 1968 he joined BBC Television Drama Serials, London. He left theatre / television in 1970 and enrolled as a student on a visual art/multi-media course at Dartington College of Arts, Devon – followed by a Professional Course in Education.
From 1974 to 1990 he worked as a teacher/lecturer/courses coordinator/researcher as well as exhibiting.
From 1990 he has worked exclusively as a painter/creator.
Exhibitions include:
- London Contemporary Art Fairs 1990-96
- Art Europa, Geneva
- Miami Art Fair, Florida
- The Royal Academy / Royal West of England Academy / Royal Ulster Academy
Collections / Purchases include:
- The Royal Bank of Scotland / First Trust Bank Ireland
- Office of Public Works, Dublin
- Arts Council of Ireland / Arts Council of Northern Ireland
- IBM
- Virgin Music
- Tresco Estate
- Private collections in UK / USA / Europe / Australia / Irelan
“I have no interest in developing a style or using a specific technique. My work involves realising images/objects related to specific experiences/stimuli and not necessarily visual.
The media used is varied ranging from assemblage to graphic. Titles are significant describing the abstract beginning/trigger for each piece.
I try not to repeat an idea ….. each piece is relatively unique….. preventing the work from becoming repetitive. “
DWM 1997