Eilís O'Connell

Description

Space Emptied Out is a conundrum, a brain-teaser, a riddle even. Here are three objects, containers, whose presence suggests that they could hold things, perhaps liquids, in the bronze and corten steel structures. The basket weave of the stainless steel cord figure could contain solid things. The fact is, they contain nothing, not even 'space', we are told. As we think further, however, the forms themselves displace space by their mere existence. They occupy a specific area and the spaces between them are particular and consequently important to the composition as a whole. The large and varied grain silos of an agricultural landscape can also be seen at work in Space Emptied Out, found, as here, in intimate clusters.

Eilís O'Connell enjoys seeking new materials and using them in various combinations. In this sculpture she has established contrast between the flat surface of the corten steel and the undulations of the woven cables, and has set them against the painterly patina of the bronze. She has also used colour innovatively. The red corten steel absorbs light and glows against the greens of the woodland, whereas the blue-green bronze with its slightly milky overtones takes on a quieter presence and the highly reflective stainless steel sparkles readily in most lights. Space Emptied Out is a symphony of passage and incident. When walking between and around these three space containers the viewer may discover a multitude of visual combinations, each a unique and rewarding experience.

Of all the sculptures in O'Connell's repertoire this alone defies precise description or analysis. It is indeed a conundrum.

Space Emptied Out is currently installed at Goodwood Racecourse.