Conor O’Connell

Our deep-rooted connection to landscapes and their associated objects provides an immense source of fascination in my practice. 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.

‘Organisation’ 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, I am 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 my painted works have been constructed. It is this process in itself that is personally of great significance. Through this work, I feel in touch with something ancient and venerated.