poppy o’brien


works  
  1. 160423
  2. 291023
  3. 241023
  4. 021123
  5. 201123
  6. 240124
  7. encounter
  8. shift
  9. 190324
  10. 040924 vertical /horizontal
  11. 111024 interior/exterior
  12. 161124 contract/expand


exhibitions / installations  
  1. UCA graduate exhibition
  2. departure lounge
  3. the little show
  4. three rooms
  5. third space
  6. host
  7. a night for
  8. the cost of opportunity
  9. 190324 (façade)
  10. 040924
  11. 111024
  12. 161124

artist statment —
info

Exploring urban environments and the architectures that populate them, my multidisciplinary practice investigates the dynamic relationship between light, material and form. Inspiration is drawn from the London cityscape where I find the correspondence between these essential elements to be most alive.  


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contact:

@poppyobrienstudio
poppyobrienstudio@gmail.com 





Exploring urban environments and the architectures that populate them, my multidisciplinary practice investigates the dynamic relationship between light, material and form. Inspiration is drawn from the London cityscape where I find the correspondence between these essential elements to be most alive.


Observations of the shifting surfaces and angular edges of London’s architecture are captured through photography and then distilled and translated  through a visual language of geometric abstraction. Moving between dimensions, works are realised through both paintings and sculptural forms. 


Paintings unfold in series and are united by a meticulous painting process. Always beginning from the edge, tape and spray paint are used to construct multi-layered compositions.  Appearing deceptively simple at first, closer inspection of the painted surface reveals a complex interplay of subtle gradients, low contrasts and gloss mediums. Repetitive, geometric motifs provide a sense of rhythm and movement. Interplay between layers alludes to the influence of space and architecture.


This painterly language is also extended into sculpture where aluminium sheets are cut and folded to create quasi-architectural forms. Geometric metal planes reflect and absorb their surroundings echoing the materiality and luminosity of the urban landscape. Interaction is key to the works, with new perspectives and aspects activated by the movement of viewers and the shifting of natural light. 


Reflecting on the spectacle of London’s built environment it is a place where we can witness the intertwining of light, material and form. Through art, I aim to render such intangible encounters material and provide viewers with a renewed encounter with the constantly evolving spaces that surround us.



CV


Eduction

2024

MA Fine Art, Chelsea College of Arts, University of the Arts London, UK

2023

BA Fine Art, University for the Creative Arts, Canterbury, UK

Selected Group Exhbitions

2019    

Human Connection, Online

2021   

Limited Infinity, The Brewery Tap, Folkestone

Starting Points, The Brewery Tap, Folkestone

2023    

ArtGIG, The Brewery Tap, Folkestone

The Graduate Show, UCA Canterbury

Through the Looking Glass, Mall Galleries, London

Departure Lounge, ALG17, UAL Chelsea, London 

Playground, M P Birla Millennium Gallery,  London

The Little Show, The Cookhouse, UAL Chelsea, London 

Annual Open, Southwark Park Gallery, London

Three Rooms, The Cookhouse, UAL Chelsea, London

2024   

Third Space, The Cookhouse, UAL Chelsea, London & AVA Academy,Ljubljana, Slovenia

Everything Must Go, RCA X UAL, The Cookhouse, UAL Chelsea, London 

Host, St Saviours Church, Pimlico, London 

A Night For, The Cookhouse, UAL Chelsea, London

The Cost of Opportunity, The Cookhouse, UAL Chelsea, London

MA Graduate Show, UAL Chelsea, London


Scholarships/Awards

2024

The Sir Frank Bowling Scholarship, MA Fine Art, Chelsea College of Arts, University for the Arts London 

Experience

2023

Graduate Lecturer, UCA Canterbury

Art Archivist, Kent County Council

2022

Art Workshop Leader, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Essex