Jack Coulter renowned Irish artist and close friend of Omeara has created a piece of original artwork specifically for #SaveOurVenues – a national initiative led by the Music Venue Trust to prevent the closure of 100’s of independent music venues.
Coulter, whose fans include the likes of Paul McCartney, Hans Zimmer, Shia LaBeouf and Harry Styles, will donate a new painting called, “Freddie Freeloader by Miles (Davis)”, with all proceeds from the Crowdfunder appeal going to keeping Omeara afloat as part of the Independent Venue Trust’s broader #SaveOurVenues appeal.
Omeara, in London’s Southwark area, is one of hundreds of grassroots music venues struggling to survive during this extended Covid-19 lockdown period, which has already seen the recent closure of venues in Manchester and Hull. The Omeara crowdfunder account has now raised over £55,000 of its £75,000 target.
For any donations of £20 or more to the venue’s cause, the donator will automatically be entered into a raffle to win the artwork. Visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/omeara for more details
The London venue’s founder, Mumford & Sons’ Ben Lovett is a friend of Jack’s and commented
“The thing I love about Jack’s work is that I believe art should be felt first and contemplated second, and given the unique way in which Jack channels his Synesthesia, he does this naturally. I also love that I feel a connection somehow to his experience as when I look at one of his pieces inspired by a song, more often than not Jack’s work makes me feel like the song does on quite a unique level.”
Coulter is an Abstract Expressionist painter and photographer from Belfast with synesthesia, a rare sensory, neurological phenomenon which has a profound effect on his work. In an interview with The Independent, Coulter’s earliest memories of his condition date back to childhood, where he recalled the sound of his own heartbeat resonating pulses of colour. When asked to provide background on his inspiration behind this particular piece, Jack commented:
“Aside from art, music is everything. I’m lucky enough that they both play a major part in my life. Artistically, psychologically & neurologically. The painting I’ve donated to Omeara is Freddie Freeloader by Miles (Davis), it’s one of my favourite tracks. I wanted it to be linked with my other works in Omeara.”
Other known fans of Coulter’s work include Shanola Hampton, Aaron Paul, and Matty Healy.
Omeara is operated by Venue Group. Venue Group are also behind London’s Flat Iron Square, Goods Way, and King’s Cross new music venue Lafayette. www.omearalondon.com
