Spectator is a series of new paintings by Sarah Wren Wilson that examined the process of abstraction through a transition of narratives.

Sarah Wren Wilson presents a series of new abstract paintings forming the last in the current programme at the Ashford Gallery. Wilson is acutely aware that the visitor to the exhibition – Spectator – brings animation to her creations. These abstractions are won by the artist through a combination of intent and accident. For her, the point of departure on a new composition while informed by compositional rules and tested mark-making is a step into the unsure and the vulnerable. Wilson permits the painting to emerge from its own dynamic resulting in exciting images, colourful and challenging.

Sarah Wren Wilson is an Irish artist originally from Monaghan and a current artist in resident at the RHA/IPUT Wilton Park Studios, Dublin. She studied Fine Art at Loughborough University before completing her Fine Art Masters at the Glasgow School of Art, Scotland and the Turps Banana Correspondence Course, London.

She has exhibited widely including a solo exhibition at Espacio de Creación Contemporánea Cádiz, Spain and group exhibitions in locations such as Sinchuan Academics Creative Art Museum, China, Bushwick Studios, New York and Royal Scottish Academy, Scotland. Recent activity in 2021 includes a residency at the Leitrim Sculpture Centre, a solo exhibition at the Linenhall Art Centre, Mayo and group shows at So Fine Art Editions, Hangtough Contemporary and Artform. Most recently she was one of the shortlisted artist for this year’s Hennessey Craig Award.

This body of artwork is supported by the Arts Council of Ireland and Monaghan County Council.