Ciaran McCarthy
other
On Rocks We Stand
Ciaran McCarthy explores how we exist in space, and how a location’s atmosphere affects our physical and mental state. They question how active investigation of an environment can change the perceived character and atmosphere of a location as one notices more details and intricacies the longer one looks. Ciaran often focuses in on infrastructure built around and into bodies of water, the visible traces of past usage and natural weathering, all of which, while often overlooked, bring life and character to the spaces, influencing the perceived environment.
'On Rocks We Stand' is an exhibition formed in response to an extended exploration of Dun Laoghaire Harbour and its pier walls. Ciaran showcases the rocks which make up the harbour and define the location through collage, juxtaposing the heaviness and solidity of the rocks with the delicate nature of paper, bringing out the playful and carefree mood they themselves feel when present on the pier walls.
Depths, 3 screen-printed and laser-cut layers suspended on aluminium dowels.
Diptych On Scattered Ground and Floating Buoys, Giclée prints on Hahnemühle photorag, 50 x 50 cm.
Floating Freely, collage on Japanese paper, string, aluminium bracket, fishing weights, 0.7 x 2.9 m.
Close-up detail, Floating Freely.
Moving Shadows, Dappled Light and Absent Presence, screen prints on Munken paper, triptych 65 x 65 cm.
Close-up detail, Absent Presence.
Suspended, collage on Japanese paper suspended on wire, 28 x 33 cm.
Whirlpool, Giclée print on Hahnemühle photorag, 65 x 65 cm.