Kirsty O'Brien
Artist Bio
The themes of my practice are industrial landscape and pollution. Stories of my grandparents collecting sea coal from the beach to memories of my Grandad telling me that the black grain in the sand is sea coal inspired me to create this painting. The ebb of waves and tides are mimicked through the creation of each layer of paint, salt and wastewater residue. The paintings were created over a 6-month period, with each application transforming the surface, like a new tide.
Selected Work
Name: That Which Remains
South Gare’s reclaimed land, built from slag and cement, reveals a hidden relationship between nature and industry. Through long and slow winter drying times, between each applied layer, materials and found objects react over time, forming unexpected salt crystals, cracks, and colours that reflect the lasting impact of heavy industry beneath our feet.
