THE GOREY DETAILS

What the funge are you talking about? I mean I only came in for a quiet sup of the black stuff and a quick read of my favourite mag? I just can't help looking, well I mean staring at that picture on the wall. That's it, I'm definitely not looking but it's . . .em . . .er . . . eye-catching. Looks a bit deep. What is it?

Just in case you happen to be drinking in the new extension of the George and spot that rather 'well hung' picture on the wall and start playing mind games with yourself, well H.P. has come to settle any arguments about the interrpretation of the picture of an opened legged lad with five faint figures behind him.

The artist, a certain Mr Paul Funge from Gorey, describes his allegorical painting, aptly called "Who are all these People, Mr Funge" as a "them and us" type of presentation showing how society breaks down. The five figures behind the easy-going bloke in the centre represent positions of power and authority. The young man is relaxed but is a reminder of those who don't have any authority in the system.

At the top left the artist represents a late secretary at the Department of Education. The second man is the artist himself in ecclesiastical garb. The third man represents Professor John Liddy, his face featuring as a power symbol. The fourth man across represents Charlie Haughey - the only figure without a halo! And the last figure is an unknown writer.

This row of sages are juxtapositioned with an innocent youth wearing red socks underlining the eclesiastical hierarchical quality of the picture.

Three models were used to create the youth. The artist started of with an Irish model and then used a Spanish model for the head and shoulders and a mixture of an Italian and the Irishman for the genitila. The picture is a revisitation of a previous picture from the College of Art in the 70's. The sense of the painting was retained and repainted two years ago.

The picture hangs by a balcony in the bar and allows the viewer to get the full impact. Mr Funge's work is excellently lit from above and indeed the whole premises have been rewired and relit by Harrington Electrics.

Paul Funge exhibits all over the country and just did the International Arts Fair in IMMA. He's had 12 exhibitions and appeared at the Wexford Opera Festival. This picture was under serious consideration for the IMMA collection, which is no mean feat.

So if you want a bit of thought over your pint or even if you think it's all a load of bollox, why don't you call in and have a look for yourself.

* Emma Flynn