I have explored themes of exclusion and isolation in this work through research centered in the Dublin 8 area. Seeing areas of dereliction and noting the marked distinction between the lived environment and the ‘other’, created the central themes for my work.
The pieces investigate premises and sites that are secured and padlocked to prevent entry and depict the extreme measures that are sometimes put in place to restrict access. The idea that the area is divided into accessible and inaccessible areas is explored, and a kind of war is imagined being waged on these inaccessible areas in what could be described as an attempt to claim or reclaim them by both man and nature. Nature’s struggle is depicted through altered photographic images.
My work is influenced by Willie Doherty, William Kentridge and Michael Craig Martin, among others. Mediums used include ink, charcoal, graphite, pens, gouache, pastels, pencils and photography.
Fences I
Fences II
Defence I
Defence II
Locks I
Locks II
Nocturn I
Nocturn II
Lock In
Lock Out