Artefactum - an exhibition by Niall O Neill

 A renowned sculptor, Niall’s work encompasses both gallery-based and site-specific large public sculpture, mostly in bronze. His work is inspired by themes of evolution, astronomy and the passage of time. The exhibition features small to medium bronze sculptures and paintings.

Niall O Neill is an established sculptor who has built up a reputation and portfolio in the realm of public art with large-scale public sculpture sited around the country from Malahide, Co Dublin to Ballinaboy, Co Mayo.

Originally from Dalkey, Co Dublin, Niall is now based in Co Wicklow. Niall was Head of Sculpture at Dun Laoghaire Institute for Art, Design and Technology in Dublin for 25 years. He is co-founder of ‘Umha Aois’ (Bronze Age), the experimental bronze casting project (www.umha-aois.com) and is former chairperson of Visual Artists Ireland, the professional body representing visual artists in Ireland (formerly the Sculptors’ Society of Ireland).

Niall has been involved in organising many exhibitions and symposia, including Sculpture in Context, Dublin.  His commissions include ‘Ammonite’, in Malahide, ‘Thus Daedalus Flew’ Killiney, Co Dublin, ‘Boat Stele’ in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, “Geata na nEalaí”, Donabate, Co Dublin, ‘Horse Play’, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow and ‘Folded’ for Wicklow County Council.

Artist Statement

Public art contains a strong educational element in the sense that it is a powerful conduit for bringing art to the people. I strongly believe that public art should be accessible and relevant and should appeal to the viewer’s sensibilities and consciousness. These objectives are achieved through igniting public imagination, and encouraging involvement and input from inception, right through to the resolution of a project. As an object-based sculptor whose practice encompasses both gallery and public work, the key elements of my sculpture in a public arena are site specificity, accessibility and interactivity.