O’Sullivan exhibition explores story of Adam and Eve

CRATLOE-based painter and photographer Grace O’Sullivan recently opened her latest exhibition of paintings, The Mark of Eden, at the Red Couch Gallery in the Courthouse, Ennistymon.

 

Grace spoke to The Clare Champion about the exhibition and in particular about her piece, Apple Head II, which features in the exhibit.

“This piece is part of my latest exhibition, which is called The Mark of Eden, based on the story of Adam and Eve and its effect on society down through the ages. The work is a result of a combination of my interest in the power of visual representation and religious belief systems, as well as a fascination with signs and symbols, myths and illusion, which are important elements in the work to create layers of meaning.

“At the core of the work is the argument that by portraying groups repeatedly in a certain way, either positively or negatively, the group may be sufficiently influenced to behave accordingly. The work is an attempt to interject in the everyday causing the viewer to consider, question and reflect,” she said.

This particular piece was completed after Grace read Alice in Wonderland. She said she believes the story had a certain influence on her thought processes and the ultimate look of the piece.

“I usually start with an idea and maybe a photograph and make a collage using other images and elements found in newspapers, magazines, other photographs and the internet. I put these together until they form an image that pleases me and I think would make a good painting. Then I start painting. The idea is everything and is sometimes the slowest part of the process,” she said.

A graduate from the Limerick School of Art and Design, Grace went on to complete an MA at MIC/University of Limerick in Media and Communication in 2008. Her MA thesis was an analysis of newspaper visuals and was presented at the International Communication Association Conference in Chicago in May 2009.

“This study has had an enormous influence on my photography and painting. I have exhibited work in group shows throughout Ireland,” she added.

Her exhibition opened last Friday and runs until October 25. Opening hours  are from Tuesday to Saturday, 12 noon to 5pm.