Colin Crotty (b. 1974) The Close of Day

In this pink-hued painting, Colin Crotty portrays a nurse sitting, listening and looking down to an older women who rests in a cushioned chair. The woman’s gesture implies she is speaking of a pain or feeling in her chest. A small dog stands nearby attentively looking on. The scene traverses between familiar living room objects - a coffee table, potted plant, patterned curtain and rug, and a more dream like exterior space with a setting sun recalling the title of the work.

In consultations that the artist had with rural community health nurses, it became evident that their role in providing comfort, care, news and human interaction with older people was a significant part of their day to day work. Crotty’s visits to North Cork alongside the consultations with the participating nurses influence this scene. References to the importance of animals in rural homes, presented here as a small dog, and the unexpected interiors of houses were frequent points of discussion for the group.