"Tables/Tableaux" 1998-1999 Travelling Solo Exhibition
"Tables/Tableaux" 1998-1999
Solo Exhibition
The Basement Gallery, Dundalk, Co. Louth, March 5th - 28th, 1998
The Signal Art Centre, Bray, Co. Wicklow, January 26th - February 13
1999
In my sculptural work, I use found objects, photographic images, colours, and materials that I consider both simple and iconic, and I combine them to suggest personal histories, emotions, memories, and dreams.
I like to experiment with photography, printing images onto various materials (most notably glass, metal and painted surfaces) and incorporating them into a sculptural context. I enjoy the craft of woodworking and in my current work have created unique tables/tableaux which involve traditional lathe-work and carpentry. This current work also involves silk-screen printing onto sculptural surfaces.
Taking the idea of growth for inspiration, this artwork began as a series of swirling natural forms, like vines on a wall. The repeating forms create patterns and reflections, to show motion, to suggest the process of life. Taking this theme further, a composition was developed which flows into an organic growth, a curling pattern that is self-similar and is based on a classic "dragon fractal", a swirling form in contrast with the linear structures of the architecture of the building, yet still very mathematical itself. This brings natural forms into the modern structure, which will be complimented by the action of people moving through the space. It provides a pleasing contrast to the geometric forms of the architecture.
>The large-scale artwork reflects the changing light during the day, brightening shadowy spaces and further extending the 'abstract' pattern of this design. With the evening indoor lights reflecting onto the artwork, it will continue to shine at night and during the winter months.
This opportunity has been very important to my practice as a sculptor. I have been challenged and engaged by other site-specific opportunities in the past, but opportunities such as this providing the freedom to realise large-scale ideas are few and far between.
Image Details
- Naas Road leading in to Newbridge Town
- Water droplets on stainless steel
- Electro etched credits
- Artist with the sculpture