Born in Dublin, Michael is a largely self taught painter whose travels have helped in honing a style that is

individual and immediately recognizable. "I started at art college but left very soon afterwards - I didn't

like being told what to do," says Morris. "But I had great encouragement from my mum, Artist Thelma

Mansfield so I followed my own path, and gained a clearer perspective on what I wanted to create." Morris'

travels took him through France, Rome, Venice and Spain, and while Ireland is his main subject matter his

works seem to be suffused with both French sensibility and Mediterranean light.

"When I relaxed I became much better as an artist," he says. "My style is not conceptual. What I had been

painting previously developed into what you see today, and I let the style come about by itself naturally. I

have always done my own thing and try not to be influenced, but it is possible that those who have influenced me are not my favorite artists.

For example, I love Goya, Caravaggio and Bacon, but my works look nothing like theirs. In fact, the biggest influence that I have seems to have

come from Barcelona's graffiti artists."

If there is a touch of the Guerilla to Morris' paintings, it only adds to the sense of vibrancy that he manages to bring to the traditionally

grey Dublin City. His painting is as reminiscent of mosaic as it is of the masters of the late 19th and early 20th Century, including the

impressionists and post-impressionists.

Michael has been making quite a name for himself on the Irish art scene, and was selected for the Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition in

2011. His work can be found in many private collections worldwide including actress Angelica Huston's and the Irish government offices. This

is his debut solo show in Belfast.

Dunlavin Summer Show '09.

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