CAG.1786 Inge Van Doorslaer, Bowl, 1997, mixed media, papier mâché, 9 x 12 x 12 cm. © the artist.

WORK OF THE WEEK!

Bowl (1997) by Inge Van Doorslaer is one of four similar objects by the artist in the Collection.

Displayed in a beautiful cabinet to the right of our main staircase, these objects look to be functional at first glance. On closer inspection, however, their delicacy and design speak of the artist’s continually evolving practice that she describes as ‘an ongoing rethinking, and repositioning of various patterns, which by their nature turn back on themselves and start again.’

Informed by a background in design and working across media, Van Doorslaer likes ‘to find, collect, use and re-use a variety of materials, techniques and found objects. I consider, investigate, and select, becoming involved and absorbed in focusing on details, gathering and connecting different elements, which gradually settle into place.’

Each of the artist’s bowls is of a similar form and scale, but their particular materiality of papier mâché and mixed media results in varying thicknesses of rim, and decoration with an unexpected gathering of flower petals, postage stamps, and even porcelain shards!

The artist enjoys ‘that particular state of becoming totally distracted in following the sense of an idea, how it circles around and evolves into something more substantial. The intention is most often to allow for a certain quiet presence to emerge.’

Inge Van Doorslaer (b.1964) is a graduate of the National College of Art & Design (NCAD), Edinburgh College of Art, and Limerick School of Art & Design (LSAD). She has also worked as a freelance artist facilitator at Crawford Art Gallery for several years, particularly with Gillian Cussen on our Lonradh programme for older adults, and Creative Connections community textiles project with women living in Direct Provision. She is a member of Cork Printmakers and Backwater Artists Network.

The artist’s screenprint, Thimbleful (2023), also joined the Collection this year.

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