Solomon Fine Art is delighted to host a solo exhibition of new work by the renowned Irish sculptor Orla de Brí. In this, de Brí’s third solo exhibition with Solomon, the artist explores what, as humans we are bound to and bound by as we navigate our lives; “We are bound to live, to change, to communicate, to protect, to explore, to be, to love, we are bound by time, rules, gender and to be part of nature”.
Working with bronze, Corten steel and a variety of patinas, de Brí has created a total of 18 elegant figurative sculptures for this exhibition. Among the many pieces on display is the stunning central work Bound, a 3-meter-high female figure precariously balancedon a skirt of branches tied tightly around her waist, emphasizing our connection to and our dependency on the natural world. A number of works in the exhibition depict groups of figures and demonstrate themes of community and collective strength. In Flock we see seven figures in a V formation preparing to take flight, heads bowed, arms outstretched.
Working from her studio in Co. Meath, Orla de Brí is very much a hands-on sculptor, enjoying every aspect of the work, from the concept of the first drawing through to the varied and sometimes challenging physical processes. Her unique, elegantly stylized figures and objects, in a variety of materials, including bronze, steel, stone and fibreglass are familiar to many. De Brí has had seven major solo shows and has completed 26 site-specific, large-scale public sculptures in Ireland, London and Istanbul. Her most recent commissions include Quiet Listening,a 3-meter high figure and a 5-meter 24ct gold leafed tree for the roof of Belvelly Castle, at the entrance to the Great Island, Cobh, Co Cork and Flow, a 7-meter high figure suspended above a stream for the Sabanci Collection in Istanbul. Other collections include the University of Limerick, Bank of Ireland, Aer Rianta, Dublin City University and The Office of Public Works. De Brí is also in many significant private collections both nationally and internationally.
The exhibition catalogue for Bound will include a text by Dr Éimear O'Conner.
