Declan Mulligan Visual Art & Design

Jesus, that was a quick year!

2010-07-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

Spiral Sun (Multi Media) 1000 x 1000mm

I can't believe that it is a year since I last posted to this, I have been busy attempting to achieve a Masters in Digital Media ! Ha, the irony of it all. Anyway it's summer now, and I should be getting back to physical art. So here are a few samples of what I've been up to...

Sudoku Painting No.1 Detail

ARThritis Project II

2009-07-25T00:56:00.000-07:00

These are the four pieces I created in respose to ARThritis II, the course I facilitated in the Rheumatology Dept., AMNCH Tallaght. An Exhibition of the patients work along with these will be available to view at Rua Red Gallery, Tallaght Dublin 24 from 1st March 2010.

Too Busy to Blog

2009-06-24T01:47:00.000-07:00

It's the middle of Summer and it looks like I've done nothing for ages. When in fact I been just too busy. Heres a few Art pics to keep yis going !

Winter Landscape

2009-03-10T03:40:00.000-07:00

This piece was created quickly one afternoon prior to Chistmas to cover a rough finished wall.

It is Acrylic on Canvas measuring 2000 x 1500 mm. As a large scale sketch it points the way towards future commissioned works of a similar nature.

Blackrock Work

2008-11-23T03:03:00.000-08:00

Completion of Spiritual Meditation Space, Blackrock College

The 24^th of November 2008 saw the dedication ceremony of the Spiritual Meditation Space, at the Our Lady of Victories Chapel, Blackrock College, Dublin.

The design work commenced in March 2008 an the final touches were put in place early November.

Here are some of the finished pieces

The 3 Central Archway Pieces

The Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan

The First Mystery of Light

The brief from the pastoral department was to produce a series of images depicting the new Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary introduced by the late pope John Paul II in 2002. From an artistic view point a degree of ecumenism entered the story here as the painting style chosen combined elements of Greek Orthodox and Maronite Christian Iconography.

Inspiration

‘The Gift of the Holy Spirit’

This is the central piece of the meditation space. The relief carving of the Dove surrounded by the flame, is a variation on the symbolic theme that represents the Spiritan Community in Ireland and throughout the World.

It is also representative of everyone’s search for inspiration and guidance within their studies; their work or their lives in general. The introduction of the Garden/Water Feature is an attempt to bring elements of the tranquillity of nature into the space.

The Transfiguration

The Fourth Mystery of Light

In terms of painting styles this piece carries the most diverse elements. Traditional Icon painting; Primitive or Early Western style; along with certain aspects of my own figurative style. The Transfigured Jesus; Moses and Elijah belong firmly in the Primitive camp.

While the apostles Peter; James and John have human frailty etched on their features at the sheer panic of been presented with the power of God up close and personal.

Chapelle St. Thérèse de Lisieux

(Un Jardin pour un peu de fleur)

A Garden for a Little Flower

The basis of this chapelle was this carved wooden statue of St. Thérèse.

We wished to develop of a suitable setting for her display, and provide an intimate space for individual reflection and prayer. After a long time of staring at her image, reading about her life and teachings, and contemplating the space in which she was to be placed. I visualised her just walking in from a Garden and stepping forward into the space.

The Blue vaulted ceiling features hand cast plaster and gilded stars, this is an attempt to replicate a traditional gothic chapel style. Similar ceilings are found in Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. The original ceiling in the Sistine Chapel was decorated in this fashion.

Rose Skylight Window

The circular stained glass sky light featured at the centre of the vaulted ceiling in the Chapelle St.Thérèse de Lisieux, incorporates a rose design which I based on similar design by French-Canadian artist Chantal Paré. This piece was fabricated by Michael Deans to the drawings I provided.

The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God

The Third Mystery of Light

In appearance this is probably the most Orthodox of Greek style Icon paintings in the series, where most of the traditional methods of such image making was followed. Although the pallet is yet again in the vibrant Maronite (Lebanese/Syrian Christians) mode.

Each piece was firstly sketched at a reduced scale and colour schemes were worked out using Tempura or Gouache on Paper. Then the wooden panels were cut to size in relation to their site specificness.

Then full scale Cartoon Drawings were worked on to encompass the details of Positioning; Anatomy; Physical Features; and Attire. These were then transfered to the Gesso primed boards using traditional Fresco methods.

The colours were then applied using combination of traditional and modern techniques and media.

A modern ‘Diamond Coat’ varnish was then applied in order to make the pieces durable and washable.

Each piece is mounted in such a way as to make maintenance access a priority.

The Institution of the Eucharist

The Fifth Mystery of Light

(Also Known as ‘The Last Supper’)

Again based on a Greek image the setting of this piece above the main doorway, and the new lighting effects on the vaulted ceiling, lent itself to the use of a traditional Byzantine Mosaic to depict this mystery.

Unfortunately as time was tight we had to settle on a Trompe l’oeil version of the image and thus this is in fact an Acrylic on Canvas painted sketch of how the eventual mosaic piece would look.

Byzantine Style Catoons for Large Scale Paintings

2008-07-10T14:12:00.000-07:00

A Byzantine Icon Style Mural of 'The Proclamation of the Kingdom' to be set in the upper part of a Neo-Gothic Archway within The Main Chapel of Blackrock College, Dublin. Just one of a series of four. A fifth image of the Last Supper is to be executed as a Mosaic above the entrance doorway.

Working on the Cartoons in my Home Studio

Working on a Restoration Project - Blackrock College Dublin

2008-06-23T12:26:00.000-07:00

I' m currently working on a restoration of the Spiritian Community's Oratory in Castle Dawson,
Blackrock College, Co. Dublin.

Would appreciate any information anyone might have on the original building, dating from 1760, Please

What's is Happening to the colour of my Images?

2008-03-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

These are the second batch of images which I've noticed a radical inversing of the colours.
They are presenting as Photo Negatives on the screen can anybody suggest a solution please ?

Doggies & Pussies Galore

2008-02-20T07:07:00.000-08:00

Just 2 days before Christmas I undertook a commission from an Actress Client of mine to do some portaits of her minagerie of Dogs and Cats, she required the first in time for Christmas Day itself so I set to work with soft pastels, a medium I haven't worked in ages, even I was surprised by the results

The second piece was of a timid Jack Russell mix called Bella, the short hair demanded a finer approach and so I set out to exicute her in Acrylic and Inks.

Only one dog and two cats to go...

Autumnal Hedgerows

2007-10-27T07:38:00.000-07:00

In Celebration of the colours of this my favorite time of the year I have been making this series of Watercolour; Gouache and Ink sketches. They are in effect snapshots of the changing landscape as Autumn work it's magic.

It is my intention to work some of these smaller sketches up into larger canvas paintings as soon as I get an opportunity.

Bullrushes

Reeds

Autumn Landscape No.1

Hedgerow No.4

Hedgerow No.3

Hedgerow No.2

Hedgerow No.1

Rushes

Autumnal Viberance

Autumn Woods No.1

Heart & Home Paintings (Update)

2007-10-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

These are some of the series of 'Hearth & Home' paintings I have been working on since February.

The addition of the gold leaf to the figures is the last major change I will be making to them.

The Gold gives a sense of something prescious to the figures as they seek shelter.

Calender Design for Tallaght Hospital 2008

2007-06-27T06:53:00.000-07:00

In consultation with Hilary Moss - Art's Officer and a Committee from the Artist Volunteers of the Adelaide & Meath Hospital (Incorporating the National Children's Hospital), I have been working on the design layout for a Calender featuring images created by the patients during the Therapeutic Art Sessions held daily at the Hospital.

This Calendar is now on sale at the Hospital, all proceeds going the Arts Office fund and volunteer services.

“Eternal”

2007-06-11T09:07:00.000-07:00

“Eternal”

Oil & Gold Leaf on Canvas

600 X 600 mm

By

Declan Mulligan BA Fine Art

This painting explores the symbolist themes of Life and Love as never ending entwined circles, in various tones and shades of violet and gold, royal colours of strength, stability, purity, and divinity.

The continuity of the Golden Ring transcends time, cultures and faiths, symbolising unity of Love between man and woman and the bond of family.

The Circle of Life, the turning of the seasons and the passing of generations all find a place here within the ring.

This piece was created as a wedding gift for some very dear friends of mine
Joe & Donna Murphy, who I’ve known for almost twenty years now. Joe and I played in several rock groups over the years along with his brothers Ken and Kevin all of whom I consider as brothers.

I wanted the piece to feature a strong symbolist motif which would reflect Joe and Donna’s union, and which would fit in with their aesthetic sense.

The application of the gold leaf over the oil paint proved rather more difficult than in the past, because of the heavy impasto nature of the painting.

The tearing of the gold leaf as it was applied gave a very interesting effect to it's overall appearance on the finished piece.

Sky Sea Land (Diptycth) Private Commission

2007-06-07T04:31:00.001-07:00

Sky Sea Land (Diptycth - Canvases 1500 x 700 mm)

Oil and Oil Pastal

These Canvases were commissioned by a client for his suburban appartment, he oringinally lived the north of the country and travelled to Donegal quite a bit. his brief was for something which captured the sense of a Northwestern Sunset without being too photo-realistic and that gave mood colour to room in the way a large colour field painting could.

Work in Progress

2007-02-15T07:34:00.000-08:00

Hearth & Home Paintings:-

Following on from the Installation Piece I created for Focus Ireland at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in November last year, I am currently working on a series of small Mixed Media on Canvas paintings reflecting some of the themes explored in the 'Showhome' Exhibition. These include: Humans need for shelter; Nomadic Impermanence; and the sense of Community felt in the sharing of an open Fire

Hearth & Home Paintings No.s 1;2;3. (All works in progress)

These three are part of a series of six canvases measuring 400 x 400 mm. I am working on each of them in unison, experimenting with different media, and application techniques.

Working each up from sketches which examine geometric elements and the relationship of the Human figure to them.

Sketch for Hearth & Home No.3

It's my intention to develop another six larger canvases looking

at the relationship of the Human Figure to Fire and the Open Flame.

Artists Biography

2007-01-11T04:57:00.000-08:00

Declan Mulligan BA (Hons) Fine Art
Déaglán Ó Maolagáin
Visual Artist & Designer
Mobile: (086) 1902 923
Email: artdeco@ireland.com

Born in Dublin 1965 – Grew up in Cabra. First studied art in the late 1970’s with Lebanese artist Yosef Ayoubi at St. Garvan's V.E.C. in the North Inner City. He then went on to work in Mechanical Engineering; Logistics and Administration during the eighties and nineties.

Maintaining an interest in art throughout, he entered several art competitions and group exhibitions.

He achieved a FETAC Diploma in Art & Design at Colaiste Ide in Finglas in 2002, and worked as a Freelance Graphic Designer and Administrator with Red Dog Design Consultants, before commencing his degree course in Fine Art at the School of Fine Art, Design & Print, Dublin Institute of Technology, in September of that year.

While there he took part in several student exhibitions and conducted research projects into the development of children’s drawing skills and the ability of adults to reconnect with their childlike artistic abilities.

His dissertation examined the relationships and influence of Children’s Drawings and the collecting of so-called Primitive & Outsider art with the development of various modern art movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries

.
My Drawing style was been influnced by my studies of the 'Children's' work and 'Outsider Art'

Graduating in November 2006 with a BA Honours in Fine Art (Interdisciplinary Studies) he was also awarded the John Creagh Memorial Trophy for Outstanding Studentship of the Year for his contribution to College Life.

Worked in September ’06 with the organising of the first ‘Collect Art’ Exhibition at Dalkey Castle.

Has assisted with The Focus Ireland Annual Art Sale in co-ordination with
the Paul Kane Gallery and Vision at the Guinness Store House & RDS in 2002/03 and was also involved with Art Sale in aid of the Mater Hospital Foundation at the Bank of Ireland Centre, Foster Place, in 2004.

In November of 2006 he was commissioned by Focus to create an installation piece ‘Hearth and Home’ for their ‘Show home Exhibition’ during their ‘Festival of Home’ at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Kilmainham, Dublin.

In December 2006 he was elected to the board of the Irish Visual Artists Rights Organisation (IVARO).

He volunteers part time as a Facilitator for a Therapeutic Art Group at The Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Tallaght, working with elderly patients in the Age Related Day Hospital.

Selected Exhibitions; Public Performances and Design Work.

June 1988
Peoples Photographic Exhibition, Stephen’s Green, Dublin
Photographs & Photomontage/Collage.

From Feb. 1989 to Sept. 1996
A Series of Video Performance Pieces for Irish based Rock Groups
(Including ‘Inside Cairo’ & ‘The Lesser Gods’ with whom he also played Bass Guitar)
also involved in Video and Audio production of these groups.

Graphic Design of promotional material Record/CD Covers; Posters; Newspaper/Magazine Advertisements etc. for these and others.

February 2000
An Taispeantas tOireachtas, Concourse, Town Hall, Dun Laoghaire

Aois Domhain I & II - Acrylic Diptych on Canvas covered Wooden Panels 2000 x 1000mm
Ogham Script (Graphically Redesigned for 21st Century)
Transcribed text from ‘Book of Invasions’ plus ‘Details of Good Friday Peace Agreement’, as Gaeilge.

February 2001
An Taispeantas tOireachtas, Concourse, Town Hall, Dun Laoghaire
1 Acrylic on Fabriano Paper Painting 700 x 500mm Framed Unmounted – ‘An Eas Or’

April 2002
‘The Abbey’ Irish National Theatre, Dublin
While working with ‘Red Dog Design Consultants’
Design for Poster & Published Script Paperback Cover of Gerry Stembridge’s Play –
‘That Was Then’.

June 2002
Graduate Show, Colaiste Ide, Finglas, Dublin
Portfolio Preparation & FETAC Diploma Course in Art& Design.
Show & New Arts Building opened by An Taoseach B. Ahern.

June to Sept. 2002
Red Dog Design Consultants
While working part time as a freelance Graphic Designer, he worked on various design projects such as:-
A pack of numbered selection cards for Dope Testing for the Irish Sports Council.
A series of Promotional Packages for the National Museum; The National Concert Hall; The Abbey Theatre and the development of promotional material for The Helix Theatre prior to its opening.

Oct. 2002
School of Fine Art, Design & Print,
Dublin Institute of Technology, Mountjoy Square.
Commenced 4 year Degree Course in Fine Art.

June 2006
Graduate Show, School of Fine Art, Design & Print, DIT.
Honours BA in Fine Art (Interdisciplinary Studies)
“Ark of Mark Making” A Multi-media Installation describing
Drawing & Painting styles from the 5 inhabited continents.

Working on 'Ark of Mark Making'for the Graduate Show

Sept. 2006
The First Collect Art Group Show, Dalkey Castle, Co. Dublin
Was requested to submit a piece for the show by organisers
A 500 x 500mm Oil on Canvas ‘Al Cuore Madre et Figlio’,
also designed the poster, flyer and invitations for the exhibition.

'Al Cuore Madre et Figlio'

Nov. 2006
Focus Irelands – Festival of Home – IMMA
'Heart & Home'
A Specially Commisioned Piece for the Showhome Exhibition.
A 2000 x 2000 x 2000 mm Wood & Textile tent Construction with Video projection
via conical mirror unit.

Images from 'Hearth & Home' Showhome Exhibit - IMMA Nov. 2006

Dec. 2006

Elected to the Board of Directors of Irish Visual Artists Rights Organisation.

The Irish Visual Artists' Rights Organisation was established in June 2005 to promote and protect the copyright and related rights of artists and visual creators in Ireland and worldwide.

March 2007

Appointed Membership Officer and Assistant Secertary of IVARO.