Ennis artist Mick O’Dea has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Dublin City University.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) is the highest award that the University can bestow and were presented as part of the University’s annual Autumn Graduations Mick O’Dea as well as New York Times journalist Declan Walsh and entrepreneur and broadcaster Áine Kerr.
Mick O’Dea, from O’Connell Street in Ennis is a painter and sculptor. A past President of the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA), he is a member of Aosdána, he studied at the National College of Art and Design.
Reading from his citation, Dr Mary Shine Thompson said “O’Dea’s signature style privileges eye-witness precision and authenticity. He marvels at the surface of things, at their sheer physicality. ‘If you are diligent enough at the surface,’ he believes, ‘something of what lies beneath might reveal itself.’ His keen eye for proportion and selective detail insist that we see into the life of things.
“His skilled, collaborative art-making and focus on students epitomise DCU’s values. His mature artistic judgement obliges us to reevaluate national identity, collective memory and power.”
Speaking before his ceremony, Mick O’Dea said: ”Dublin City University is renowned worldwide for its innovation and dynamism. To be awarded an honorary doctorate by such a distinguished institution is both a humbling and exhilarating honour. My sincere thanks to DCU-it’s a privilege to accept.’’
Speaking about the honorees, Prof Dáire Keogh, President of Dublin City University said: “The University is proud to bestow its highest honour on these three exceptional individuals. In their respective fields, and in our wider society, Áine, Declan and Mick have made a positive impact that echoes the DCU mission ‘to transform lives and societies’.”
“They are now among a select group of inspiring people to have been awarded the Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) at Dublin City University.”
Mick O’Dea, Declan Walsh and Áine Kerr join noted figures from politics, sport, literature and industry in receiving this award from DCU, including Enda Kenny, Moya Brennan, Paula Meehan, Seamus Mallon, David Trimble, President Bill Clinton, Joe Schmidt and Sonia O’Sullivan.
