‘Melting, Moving, Mesmerising’
Deeply embedded in Mary Clarke’s work, are the recurring themes of climate change, environment and the need for cognisance. In this recent body of work, Mary explores this topic, both subtly and directly, through vibrant, layered and abstracted imagery.
This collection of powerful and thought-provoking photographic prints, collage and works on paper, confronts the viewer, in an effort to provoke a reaction. It engages with the audience’s imagination, to stimulate conversation, and ultimately tackle widespread apathy towards change, in the hope of igniting an effectual response and positive action.
Mary implores the viewer to take heed:
‘Beneath the ground and oceans, in the sky above and in the air that we breathe, there exists all the essentials we require to continue inhabiting our world. People Moving, Ice Melting, Nets Straying, Layered Plastics, Soil Erosion, Coral Dissolving, Fish Disappearing, Cloud Seeding, Water Moving, Rain Falling, Soil Eroding, Fires Harming, Bog Breathing, Coral Melting, and Cities Transforming, are the titles of the images in this exhibition.
The artworks are a reminder to the viewer that what we are doing to our environment should be making us very uneasy, but if we take heed of nature's message we can contribute, from a grass roots level to governing bodies, to help nature fight back and allow us to continue our existence in harmony.’
Mary Clarke grew up in London before settling in Navan, Co. Meath. Since moving to Navan, Mary finished her art degree in Dublin, having started it in the UK. With her consistently unique and interesting images portraying colour, abstraction and reduction, Mary aims to enable the viewer to enjoy and interpret her images as they see fit.
Her artwork has been presented at numerous group exhibitions in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK and her two impactful solo exhibitions, Silent : Listen 1 and Silent : Listen 2 were presented at the Toradh Gallery, Ashbourne and the Sean Hollywood Centre, Newry respectively. Mary Clarke’s work is represented in the Meath County Council Art Collection, the Connolly Hospital Art Collection and many private collections in Ireland, Australia and the UK.
She has conducted studies in Painting, Printmaking, Photography, Sculpture, Wood Carving, Combined Media, Research Dissertation, Japanese Ink Painting, Mobile Photography and Multimedia. Mary is currently studying for a Masters in Design and Graphic Design, which she hopes will encourage her to continue taking experimental and colourful journeys in her art career.
Further information can be obtained by contacting the Arts Office at artsoffice@meathcoco.ie or 046 9097000