Rossicontemporary presents Samhain, a solo exhibition by Irish artist David Quinn. Born in 1971, Quinn is renowned for his small-format, abstract, and minimalist paintings, which he describes as “visual haikus.” These works contemplate the transience of time and reflect the artist’s meditative creative process.
Quinn speaks of his work as being driven not by predetermined meaning, but by an intuitive appreciation for colour: “I am not concerned with meaning. That is for others to decide for themselves. What drives me to create above all is an appreciation for colour. When I work, what guides me is the thought for what hue I will use next.”
Many of the paintings in Samhain – a Gaelic term marking the transition into winter – were completed in late autumn 2025, a period when the artist found inspiration in the changing landscape. As the evenings darkened, and the vibrant greens of summer gave way to the rich, dying hues of autumn, Quinn observed how each color deepened and enriched those around it, a final act of beauty before the dormancy of winter. “It’s a sad time of the year and I don’t look forward to the long, dark evenings, but it’s often the most beautiful.”
This exhibition captures the melancholic beauty of the seasonal shift and offers viewers the opportunity to engage with the artist’s subtle yet profound exploration of color and time.
© Text and Photo Courtesy of David Quinn and Rossi Contemporary, Photography by Vincent Everarts
