Motion Paintings

In this series of paintings Ruairiadh O’Connell explores geometric patterns in historic textile design that were developed to be animated by the movement of the wearer. Referencing particular designs from the 18th century (sourced from the archives of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London) this series of works titled “Motions” are airbrushed, jesmonite-moulded with a resin overlay. 

A key element of the series is how light interacts with the surfaces of these works. In the creation of the original designs, metal thread was woven into a garment so it would capture and reflect light thereby catching people’s attention when the wearer would move around and dance. The multifaceted surfaces of O’Connells new paintings employ similar strategies, altering in colour and shifting as one moves around the work, giving the works a heightened sculptural sense relying on the viewers movement and physical engagement. 

The shimmering rectangles are resin-covered casts of pattern drawings for 18th-century silks. These works’ curious, hypermodern, optical pop honour the original intent of the textiles’ design, which was to flow and flatter grand, dancing Georgian women. They ripple and won’t sit still. O’Connell makes one aware of what the brain and eye do together.

Concurrently,  O’Connell is working on a large scale project focusing on the therapeutic effects of movement and dance on people suffering from Parkinson’s disease. For this far reaching project O’Connell has partnered with University College London, St Martins School of Art and the English National Ballet. The project currently involves various dance workshops with subjects based in London, and then later,  exhibitions will be held at Central St Martins and the English National Ballet.