International makeup Artist and Netflix Glow Up star, James Mac. returned to his native Laois for a special evening launch of his gallery exhibition ‘MakeupXART’ at the Dunamaise Arts Centre.
A special launch evening with family and friends of the Abbeyleix native was held to officially open the stunning new Exhibition on Friday, July 12. They were joined by members of Laois County Council, Creative Ireland Laois, Laois Tourism and the Arts Council of Ireland.
Earlier this year James was approached by Dunamaise Arts Centre to consider touring this exhibition, which originally premiered at the Morley Gallery in London, to an Irish audience back home. Read more below picture.
“This evening is such a special moment in my career. Bringing my artwork and creativity home feels like a full circle moment. I have been inspired by my hometown surroundings and nature from a young age. There’s a special sense of grounding that always has me centred and creative when I’m home. The pandemic period was a huge learning curve and experience that made me release so many of my ideas and creative potential,” James explained.
At the launch event, James announced his first Makeup masterclass back in Laois, to be held at Dunamaise Arts Centre this September.
“I’m proud to announce my first Auditorium Theatre masterclass at the Dunamaise Arts Centre on Friday 6th September,” he said.
This is a special opportunity for industry experts,and enthusiasts alike to get a taste of James’ unique work and learn to master a skill or two for themselves, inspiring their own creativity around makeup artistry.
Masterclass tickets are available now at: https://www.dunamaise.ie/whats-on/workshops-and-classes/masterclass-with-jmac-mua Or via email info@dunamaise.ie
James thanked all the local community and companies that were involved in realising this large scale exhibition to come to Laois.
“Thank you to incredible local printing service Mochua Print who physically brought my work to life in the most pristine quality. I’ve always dreamed of this. A massive thank you to the Dunamaise Art Centre for their ongoing work behind the scenes and curating this exhibition space.”
MakeupXART runs until the end of September 2024 at Dunamaise Gallery.
James Mac: jmacmua.com / @jmac_mua