Eilis O'Connell: Hardware / Software

Solomon Fine Art is delighted to host an exhibition of sculpture and works on paper by one of Ireland’s most internationally recognised contemporary artists, Eilis O’Connell. 

The title Hardware/Software is borrowed by O’Connell from Jack Burnham’s 1974 publication Great Western Salt Works: Essay’s on the meaning of Post-Formulist Art. It refers to the dual aspects of an artist’s practice – the physical, object-based output (hardware) and the conceptual, process-lead phase of work (software). It is a fitting title for this exhibition in which O’Connell presents us with examples of both; a range of her exquisitely finished sculptural works and a collection of watercolours which illustrate the evolution of these objects. 

Using materials such as steel, bronze, stone and new bio resins, O’Connell explores different material properties to make hybrid organic geometric forms that she carves or constructs by hand. Her abstract watercolours mirror the textures and forms of her sculptural works with depth of tone and minimalist markings. 

Born in Derry and now Cork-based, Eilis O’ Connell studied sculpture in the Crawford School of Art, Cork and the Massachusetts College of Art, Boston.  She has exhibited at the Venice, Paris and Sao Paulo Biennales and the Guggenheim Museum in Venice.  In 2018 her outdoor sculptures were shown at E1027 the iconic home designed by Eileen Gray in Cap Martin, France. Her first major survey exhibition took place this year at the F.E McWilliam Gallery in Armagh. 

Please join us at the gallery for an In Conversation with Eilis O'Connell & Dr. Riann Coulter, Director F.E McWilliam Gallery event on Sunday 12 November at 2pm, as part of Dublin Gallery Weekend.  For more information please click HERE