Monkey Business is part of the African Collection. It’s also part of a series of original paintings and block prints by The Art House, Ireland. The African collection aims to capture the simplicity of life in the South African Transkei (Homelands) region.

The collection is by Derry-born artist Brian O’Doherty. Brian is also the owner of The Art House Gallery, which is based Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal, Ireland. Brian says the image of a startled monkey on a dead tree ‘feels like a self-portrait.’ The piece is framed in pastels and gold leaf on board, which Brian says harks back to colonial days.

The African Collection is inspired by Brian’s travels in southern Africa. These works are mainly based on his experiences with the Transkei and the Xhosa people.

The Art House ranks as Ireland’s No. 1 gallery on Trip Advisor – which is the world’s largest travel site.