Gormleys is delighted to present an exhibition by one of Ireland’s most prominent figurative sculptors Mark Rode.

‘Inner Selves’ is an exhibition of 20 new bronze sculptures by Rode. The juxtaposing of figures and heads with symbolic elements such as windows and stairs, and his use of scale imbue the works with a surreal gravitas that asks the viewer to look closely and reflect.

“More and more I spend time ruminating on this journey I am on; the journey we are all on. What makes me who I am and how effectively I am fulfilling my temporary role in the universe. I know I will never answer those questions, but it is a shame not to try. This work is my way of communicating these thoughts and asking others theirs.” – Mark Rode

Mark Rode left Australia in 1998 to pursue his passion for figurative sculpture. He travelled through Europe, visiting artist’s studios and galleries in Italy, Germany, The Netherlands and eventually went to London where he exhibited and learned the craft of bronze casting.

After moving to Ireland in 2002 he set up a studio and foundry in County Mayo and began exhibiting extensively throughout Ireland and the UK, including at Jorgensen Fine Art, The Solomon, The Oriel Gallery and Gormleys.

Mark has also created over a dozen major public sculptures including the Kerry Football sculpture in Tralee, The Quiet Man statue in Cong, Portrait of Barack Obama, Tour de France commemoration in Enniscorthy, Thomas MacDonagh Memorial,  and most recently the Grace Kelly statue in Newport unveiled by Prince Albert of Monaco.