Floor drawing, 2016 Drawing

Ciarán’s paintings and drawings are visceral in intent. Mostly using the figure as an initial point of departure they derive from a fascination with how the human form can be dismantled, exposing greater visual possibilities and meanings. Time and Repetition are important elements in Ciarán’s working processes. Work is developed in series over protracted periods of time usually several years using repeated processes, unconventional materials and unusual techniques. Ciarán’s work is concerned with the means by which the work comes into being and reluctant towards a final resolution. Dripping paint, dynamic lines, Staining and Scraping back, working on the horizontal and the vertical planes of both wall and floor, erasing to leave only a residue of previous marks and so on, paintings are built up Layer upon Layer. The process negotiates a fine line between formation and destruction. Born in Dublin. Ciarán studied Fine Art at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin (1996). Subsequently, he received a Masters in Multimedia Technology at University College Cork (2000). Ciarán now lives in Cork where he has a studio with Backwater Artists Group since 2003, and where he currently continues to work. Ciarán has served as a director with the group since 2007.