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