Artist Nuala Clarke discusses her recent book, Irish Moss of a Dead Man’s Skull
Free, no booking required.
This book is not a book, not even an art book. It is a work of art_ Catherine Marshall, Art Historian
During a residency at Uillinn in September 2023 I conducted a series of “Experiments in Listening”. I was in the process of researching and writing a book on my experience as an abstract painter, examining how creating coincides with transformations to states of wellbeing. The book explores three bodies of work and four Roberts—Irwin, Brown, Chender, and Boyle—examining how each Robert, and in particular Robert Boyle (natural philosopher 1627-1691) influences the process, purpose, and reasons for my work. Light through colour and consciousness applied in a space by a body has reverberations. I will discuss the circuitous path I took through 17th century medicinal recipe books, rainbows, swimming and painting to come to an understanding of abstract painting and health.
Published by The Owl Circus, Irish Moss of a Dead Man’s Skull is 216 full-colour pages, with 86 images, sewn binding, and luxurious five-inch French flaps. It is both of, and about, the words and images within — a small installation to marvel through on the train, at home or, perhaps, just before a refreshing swim in the Irish sea.
Nuala Clarke is an abstract painter living in the west of Ireland. Her work is shown throughout the world and has been supported through grants from The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon. She is engaged in a multidisciplinary research project into Robert Boyle and the healing probabilities of abstract art.