Paintings from Sierra de las Nieves, Malaga

Taylor Galleries, 16 Kildare St, Dublin Mon-Fri 10am- 5.30pm, Sat 11am-3pm Until Dec 10 01-6766642

Michael Cullen’s first exhibition was substantially based on travels in Spain and north Africa, and both an autobiographical component and an interest in Spain have been consistent elements in his work ever since.

Cullen paints stylised narrative compositions, sometimes literal, sometimes allegorical in their subject (the artist often played the role of chimpanzee in a series of circus allegories). They are always vibrant and colourful, without any of the over-use or lack of understanding of colour that the adjective “colourful” usually implies.

Cullen is very good with colour, sometimes lots of it, sometimes very little, always well judged. He has a zest for life and living, and that comes through in his observations of local life, wherever local happens to be. Here, it is a village close to Málaga, closely observed during summer sojourns.

Can't see that? Catch this:"Longevity, if not immortality" Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda, Co Louth Nov 23-Jan 5