A solo exhibition featuring works in sculpture by Westmeath artist Mel French

Aedín McGinn Assistant Manager says:

‘We’re really excited to launch this exhibition and present a solo show by talented artist Mel French at Luan Gallery. Mel is a Westmeath based artist and it is always a special privilege for us here in Luan Gallery to showcase the talents of our local artists and makers. Mel’s work is simultaneously traditional and contemporary, it is always interesting and occasionally uncomfortable and this quirky combination will make for a very exciting and provocative exhibition. This will be our first exhibition to display sculpture alone so it is also something new for our local audience here in Athlone.’

Mel was born in London and now lives and works in County Westmeath. French’s work explores ideas around the human condition and psyche. She is interested in morphing and distorting the human form, creating animal and human hybrids and using animal conditions as metaphors for coarse and base human emotions and experiences. Her works are sculpted in clay using traditional processes and then cast in a variety of medium including wax, chocolate, soap, metals, resins, hair and laundry lint. This will be the first solo exhibition of French’s career and marks a pivotal point in the development of her creative practice.

Mel French says:

‘The research involved in creating my work varies from practical skill based knowledge, medical and scientific history, practice and procedures to psychology and the natural world such as animal forms and behaviour ‘.

French has completed a number of public and private commissions across Ireland including a variety of commemorative busts such as Luke Kelly, as well as other works of public sculpture.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place is a look at the lesser known side of French’s conceptual based creative practice. The exhibition was officially launched on Friday 4th September. The exhibition will run until 30th October 2015

Luan Gallery invites visitors to journey through Mel’s strange world of unusual creatures, screaming heads and raw emotion. Guided tours will be delivered at 12.00, 14.00 and 16.00 daily for the duration of this show.