Denise Hickey, 'Anonymity' and 'Army of Birds'

Army of Birds

The overriding theme of Denise Hickey’s work, since the very beginning, is a concern and fascination with the Temporary.

This has led her to create bodies of work looking at re-invention, preservation, nostalgia and control.

The materials used range from old quilts and pillow cases to abandoned wood and crockery, which are all from a domestic environment and have all been disposed of.

 

Hickey’s work looks at the relationship between art and life and plays with the idea of making everyday objects and materials momentary icons and a dysfunctional record of life.

The work addresses a notion of feminine conflict through the materials and techniques used. Working this way aims to suggest a sense security, nurturing and comfort on one level while simultaneously showing the tension and flaws. She uses construction techniques associated with feminine domesticity, such as knitting and sewing, because of their repetitive nature and the connotations they may hold. Hickey likes to subvert these techniques, showing the flaws and displaying how the objects are put together.

 These techniques, which are traditionally considered craft, and the use of easily recognisable objects in the work aims to offer a sense of accessibility as a way to give the viewer a “way in”. By choosing to create work from everyday practices and domestic objects aims to increase the opportunity for discourse between the viewer and artwork.

Line is an important part of the work. It is the structure that connects, divides, constrains, constructs and liberates.

Denise studied for her BA in fine art both in Crawford College of Art and Design in Cork City, Ireland and The Sir John Cass department of Art, Media and Design at London Metropolitan University. She has participated in a number of group shows across London and in Ireland. She currently holds an artist residency at a secondary school in Essex.


For more information, http://www.denisehickeyart.blogspot.com/

Anonymity