Kelly M O’Brien, Galanthus (Spring is Coming), detail. Steel, wood, thread, tulle, tape, foam pipe insulation, plastic, cast cement, ceramic tiles, plants, soil, grow lamps, glass. 166 x 217 x 74 cm. ©2019
If you can believe it, the light is already rising here in the UK with afternoons growing a tiny bit longer each day before it gets dark. I am always heartened by this, even in gloomy February. It reminds me that Spring is coming with the darkest days behind us.
Which was the theme for my installation at last month's Blue Monday exhibition at 44AD Gallery in Bath, shown above.
In the meantime, things are humming in the studio where we're working on 15 pieces for three separate projects that all will be finished before it's officially Spring next month. For a peek behind the scenes and more, read on!
Work in Progress: Washington, DC Hotel
Kelly M O'Brien. Sketch for a new commission going to a hotel in Washington, DC. ©2019
I am in the early stages of a new commission for a project in my hometown of Washington, DC! The commission consists of 12 new originals, including three diptychs of a DC map-inspired piece.
I have really enjoyed sketching ideas, looking closely at maps of the city and pulling out lines of interest to invoke a loose, organic feel that still reads ‘map’ to those in the know.
The final pieces will be hand-burned with river-like gold leaf to tie the diptych together.
Commission: Burj Alshaya Kuwait
Work in progress for a new commission going to the Burj Alshaya, Kuwait.
In the studio, we have been focused on a new commission for the Burj Alshaya, Kuwait, a contemporary development that includes a Four Seasons Hotel and office tower complex.
The work consists of three large originals inspired by the surrounding desert. Because of their size, we used a mix of pale and bright gold leaf for visual interest.
Thank you to the lovely team at James Robertson Art, Inc. for this opportunity! And a big thank you to studio assistant Pip Faulkner-Lee without whom this project would not have gone out on time.
We love doing bespoke commissions! You can learn more about the range of ways clients work with us here.
Journal Cover
Playing With Fire, No. 67 was recently featured on the cover of ANTENNA, a new award-winning publication by Brewin Dolphin. Thank you to the team at Wardour Agency for finding my work and inviting me to be part of the design!
Exhibition: MA And Other Postgraduates Exhibition 2019
Each year the Atkinson Gallery requests nominations of postgraduate student work from university professors across the UK. Each university can nominate up to five students whom they believe represent the highest quality and standards in their personal artistic practice. Finalists are then invited to exhibit their work in the annual show.
I am so pleased that my piece, You're Not Coming Back Are You? will be included in this exhibition! What an honor to be showing work alongside MFA students and grads from across the UK, including Bath Spa Uni MFA colleagues Ali McGraw and Nicola Turner. Details below if you're in the area to join us for the Private View.
Current + Upcoming
MA and Other Postgraduates Exhibition 2019, The Atkinson Gallery, Millfield, Street, Somerset, BA16 0YD, UK | 25 February 19 – 23 March 19, Private View: 25 February 7-9pm
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