On the Move (2004-2021)

In 2004, Mac Manus returned to Ireland to establish and direct the Irish Academy of Figurative Art. He left that position in 2007 when he returned to Florence to establish the diocesan Sacred Art School - Firenze. Through these teaching experiences he developed his belief that the zenith of a work of art – art that moves an audience – can be achieved when the artist develops him or herself through personal contemplation and spiritual renewal, as well as an increasing exploration of the tenets of philosophy and theology. When those elements align, truth and goodness overflow in the form of the beautiful and magical. His own practice has its roots in Catholic teachings and includes attending daily Holy Mass and/or praying before he works on a sculpture or painting. During this period, the artist executed commissions for St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York, NY; Opus Dei U.S. Headquarters, New York, NY and the Catholic Information Center, Washington, D.C.