Events Programme

Perennial - Mark Swords

From Sat 17-04-2010 to Tue 18-05-2010

Wexford Arts Centre is delighted to host a solo exhibition by Mark Swords entitled Perennial from Saturday 17th April to Tuesday 18th May. The title of the exhibition references the re-emergence of a sage plant in the artist’s garden, a tiny new growth emerging from what was the large and blackened remains of its previous body. This re-growth embodied some important contradictions for the artist – those of strength and weakness, death and life.

Encapsulating these qualities is the mixed media work Staircase, which comprises of a 14 foot spiral staircase made of lollypop sticks.  It is structurally a weak object and, as such, it is functionally defunct.  However, the work can be representative of strength as it attempts to go beyond the original purpose and function of the material. As an object of aspiration it attempts to gain a higher ground, to elevate. Indeed this strength may only exist because of its physical deficiencies, and the obvious frailty of the structure emphasises the more poetic intentions behind its making.

The hand-made aspect of Swords’ work is clearly evident, and together with the materials, forms and use of colour relay a sense of curiosity and workmanship.  The works are finely executed, and this curiosity is apparent in the artist’s self learning and even re-learning through his engagement with materials, such that a piece of work may result from the solving of a self imposed problem.  Utilising materials that are often overlooked, including carpet, tent fabric, and string, and without attempting to hide the processes of making, the strength of Swords’ work resides in its fragility and careful informality. 

Mark Swords graduated from the National College of Art & Design with an MA in Fine Art Painting in 2004.  Since graduating Swords’ work has featured in numerous group and solo shows including Flying Crooked, Kevin Kavanagh Gallery, Dublin; Futures 2009, RHA Gallagher Gallery, Dublin; and Look Again; recent art from Ireland, Purdy Hicks, London.

For further information on the artist or exhibition, or to request images please contact Catherine Bowe, Visual Arts Manager, Wexford Arts Centre on +353 (0)53 91 23764 or email catherine@wexfordartscentre.ie.

Wexford Art Centre’s galleries are open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-5.30pm and admission is free.