Project: Beyond Appearance

In Sept 2004, I undertook a self directed residency with the Radiology Department of Galway University Hospital. Over the course of six weeks I worked on a series of cast sculptural objects that were specifically designed to be X-Rayed. Many of these objects contained embedded items that could only be revealed through radiological imaging. Once X-rayed, these works frequently displayed a visual tension or conflict between an object’s outer appearance and what lies within. Other pieces took familiar graphic representations of mortality, love and spirituality and translated them into sculptural objects.
I was particularly interested in how these familiar graphic icons become transformed through this process – eg. while a arrow through a heart makes for a rather sweet graphic ‘Hallmark’ symbol of love, the same image represented as an X-Ray is something quite different. Through my exploration of the unique properties of such a powerful imaging medium I had to adapt my work practice to focus more on the substance of an object and less on appearance - what it is made of as opposed to what it looks like. The medium itself acted as a metaphor for a recurring theme within my work; an exploration into the nature of perception and, particularly with this work, the desire to get beyond surface appearance.
Residency Kindly Supported By:
The Board of Directors Galway University Hospital
Dr. David O’Keeffe, Clinical Director of Radiology
Monica McFarland & GUH Radiology Dept.
Agfa Ireland Limited
Margaret Flannery, Hospital Arts Co-ordinator
Galway Arts Centre
Title: Clock
Medium: X-Ray on Agfa Scopix Fim
Size: 35.5 x 43 cm
Edition: 05
Year: 2004
Title: Diagnostic Thought Process
Medium: X-Ray on Agfa Scopix Fim
Size: 35.5 x 43 cm
Edition: 12
Year: 2004

Title: Divine Retribution
Medium: X-Ray on Agfa Scopix Fim
Size: 35.5 x 43 cm
Edition: 12
Year: 2004

Title: I've Never Really Understood The Concept Of Divine Retribution
Medium: X-Ray on Agfa Scopix Fim
Size: 35.5 x 43 cm
Edition: 06
Year: 2004

Title: Sacred Heart
Medium: X-Ray on Agfa Scopix Fim
Size: 35.5 x 43 cm
Edition: 12
Year: 2004

Title: Isn't Every Heart Sacred?
Medium: X-Ray on Agfa Scopix Fim
Size: 35.5 x 43 cm
Edition: 05
Year: 2004

Title: You Do It To Yourself
Medium: X-Ray on Agfa Scopix Fim
Size: 35.5 x 43 cm
Edition: 07
Year: 2004

Title: Loaded
Medium: X-Ray on Agfa Scopix Fim
Size: 35.5 x 43 cm
Edition: 05
Year: 2004

Title: Future Food / Future Famine
Medium: X-Ray on Agfa Scopix Fim
Size: 35.5 x 43 cm
Edition: 05
Year: 2004

Title: Sucker For Love
Medium: X-Ray on Agfa Scopix Fim
Size: 35.5 x 43 cm
Edition: 10
Year: 2004

Title: No Visible Means Of Access
Medium: X-Ray on Agfa Scopix Fim
Size: 35.5 x 43 cm
Edition: 09
Year: 2004

Title: Love Can Damage Your Health
Medium: X-Ray on Agfa Scopix Fim
Size: 35.5 x 43 cm
Edition: 07
Year: 2004

Title: Random Objects II
Medium: X-Ray on Agfa Scopix Fim
Size: 35.5 x 43 cm
Edition: 05
Year: 2004

Title: Mum Had A Sweet Tooth
Medium: X-Ray on Agfa Scopix Fim
Size: 35.5 x 43 cm
Edition: 05
Year: 2004

Title: Monogamy
Medium: X-Ray on Agfa Scopix Fim
Size: 35.5 x 43 cm
Edition: 05
Year: 2004

Title: Cardio Flower I
Medium: X-Ray on Agfa Scopix Fim
Size: 35.5 x 43 cm
Edition: 06
Year: 2004

Title: There Will Always Be Missing Pieces I
Medium: X-Ray on Agfa Scopix Fim
Size: 35.5 x 43 cm
Edition: 12
Year: 2004

Title: There Will Always Be Missing Pieces II
Medium: X-Ray on Agfa Scopix Fim
Size: 35.5 x 43 cm
Edition: 12
Year: 2004