little gray muzzle

About

In 300 words or less explain the universe? This is a hard question to answer, and even harder to be succinct about. In a way that's what the artists statement endeavors to expose, the ideas and relationships an artist has with the world they occupy, and of that, what is of importance to them. little gray muzzle is an exhibition of new work by Belfast based artist Deirdre McKenna; it draws on the elevation of everyday situations, and stories; from the mundane, to the mysteries of the universe. Inspiration comes from all around- seeing a girl in A & E with a skinned knee, a rainbow over Belfast on a mucky gray day, the beasts and me (her), and looking for Venus in the night sky. Each work treats us to an insight into the artist's head and creates a visual diary of her everyday life. The work McKenna produces is often highly detailed with a personal narrative. Having trained as a painter, McKenna's work lives somewhere between painting and sculpture with a strong emphasis on image making. In little gray muzzle we are invited to develop our own stories, bringing with us our own memories and creating personal meaning. Deirdre McKenna was born in Dublin in 1973, and studied Fine Art in the RTC Sligo and at the University Of Ulster, Belfast. She acted as a Co-Director of Catalyst Arts from 2002 to 2004 exhibiting, organising and collaborating and returned to study a Master of Fine Art at the University of Ulster, graduating in 2007. McKenna is a studio holder in Flax Art Studios, Belfast, and is currently employed by the Golden Thread Gallery, Belfast. McKenna's work is included in the collection of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland as well as in several private collections.