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Gillian Lawler

November 19, 2009 — November 29, 2009

Opening Thursday November 19th, 7-9pm

Exhibition Continues November 20 - 29
Gallery Open Wed– Sun, 2-7pm

Lawler’s paintings are modeled on modern building developments, high-density living, apartment upon apartment, tightly packed and claustrophobic. These densely layered images meditate on the possible long-term rise and fall of cities, suggesting vast and possibly fragile ambitions. The American historian Lewis Mumford (1895-1990) argued that the structure of modern cities is partially responsible for many social problems seen in western society. While pessimistic in tone, Mumford argues that urban planning should emphasize an organic relationship between people and their living spaces.

This body of work focuses on a sense of unease within an urban architectural context. Lawler considers spatial, structural and psychological fluctuations and schisms within an urban framework. Formerly familiar structures appear strange and peculiar. The act of architecture is significant in its unavoidable manner of influence and its ability to affect mood, orientation, pleasure, economy and feelings. This work explores anxiety and estrangement associated with the experience of architectural space within urban living.

Gillian Lawler was born in Kildare in 1977 and currently lives in Dublin. She received a BA in Fine Art from the National College of Art and Design in 2000. She has exhibited extensively throughout Ireland including recent solo shows at The Dock (2009), Cross gallery (2008), Fenderesky Gallery (2007) and Draiocht Arts Centre (2007). Group shows in 2009 include, Preponderance of the Small, Douglas Hyde Gallery, No Soul For Sale: A Festival for Independents, X-Initiative New York City, RHA Annual Exhibition and Eigse Arts Festival. She was awarded the Hennessey Craig Award at the RHA Gallery Annual exhibition in 2007 and awarded the overall winner of the Open Selection exhibition at the Eigse Arts Festival in 2009. Other awards include a Kildare Arts Services Award 2009 and an Arts Council Bursary Award 2009. Future exhibitions include a solo show at the Cavanacor Gallery, Donegal, 2009, Difference Engine, a group show at Cake Contemporary Arts, Kildare, 2009 and the Black Mariah Gallery, Cork 2010..