Long considered one of the most exciting and influential Irish artists of his generation, Basil Blackshaw celebrates his 70th birthday in 2002. Wishing to mark the occasion, S.B. Kennedy approached him some time ago about the possibility of an exhibition. To his delight, the artist agreed. Struck by the expressive vitality of the new paintings he saw in Blackshaw's studio, Kennedy suggested that, rather than being a retrospective show, the exhibition should contain only recent works. Blackshaw again agreed and enthusiastically set about making pieces especially for the exhibition. The result is a remarkable collection of 38 new paintings in which Blackshaw's assured technique combines with his characteristically fresh, almost childlike vision to create works of wonderful freedom and "joie de vivre". This book reproduces all the paintings in vibrant colour and, together with the exhibition, celebrates an extraordinary achievement.