OBJECTivity- an exploration of storytelling and discovery through the making of artefacts: A discussion with graduating artist Conor O'Connell and Prof. Brendan O'Neill, Professor in Experimental Archaeology and Material Culture School of Archaeology, UCD.
At this event, Fine Art Painting graduate Conor O'Connell will discuss his experiences as a practitioner of weird and wonderful skills such as casting bronze age weaponry and taxidermy. The talk will be followed by a brief tour of his NCAD Works exhibition, 'Organisation'.
.
Connor O'Connell describes how he approaches his practice through a deep-rooted connection to landscapes and their associated objects provides an immense source of fascination. Perhaps this is because objects hold a residual energy and appear primarily as ‘evidence’; tangible links to something just out of reach; be it preservation of nature or our distant, sometimes enigmatic prehistoric past. In his graduate show, ‘Organisation’ , he explores themes of collecting, making and curating. Inspiration is taken from both the ‘cabinets of curiosities’ (collecting for the sake of collecting) and the meticulously catalogued and ordered museum collections of today. Assemblage pieces which juxtapose very different objects, both man-made and natural, modern and ancient provide a range of new subject matter. These objects exist in dialogue with one another, inviting conversation and reflection on our perceptions and understanding of the world. Although primarily a painter, O'Connell is also very interested in heritage practices and skills for their enduring relevance in a contemporary context. The majority of the objects on display and depicted in his painted works have been constructed. It is this process in itself that is personally of great significance. Through this work, he feels in touch with something ancient and venerated.
.
In-Person Event Fine Art Painting Department, 3rd Floor Granary Building.
This event will be uploaded to YouTube on Saturday 15th June LINK
.
Image: Forged swords, 2024, Connor O'Connell.
In-Person Event Fine Art Painting Department, 3rd Floor Granary Building.
