ORLA DE BRÍ: Bound

Working with bronze, Corten steel and a variety of patinas, de Brí has created a total of 18 elegant figurative sculptures for this exhibition which respond to the personal and collective challenges of modern life. Among these is the stunning central work Bound, a 3-meter-high female figure precariously balanced on a skirt of branches tied tightly around her waist, emphasising our connection to and reliance on the natural world. A number of works in the exhibition depict groups of figures demonstrating themes of community and collective strength. In Flock, a work developed in 2018 ahead of the abortion referendum, we see seven figures in a V formation preparing to take flight, heads bowed, arms outstretched.

Working from her studio in Co. Meath, Orla de Brí is very much a hands-on sculptor, enjoying every aspect of the work, from the concept of the first drawing through to the varied and sometimes challenging physical processes. Her unique, elegantly stylised figures and objects, in a variety of materials, including bronze, steel, stone and fibreglass are familiar to many.  De Brí has had seven major solo shows and has completed 26 site-specific, large-scale public sculptures in Ireland, London and Istanbul. Her most recent commissions include Quiet Listening, a 3-meter high figure and a 5-meter 24ct gold leafed tree for the roof of Belvelly Castle, at the entrance to the Great Island, Cobh, Co Cork and Flow, a 7-meter high figure suspended above a stream for the Sabanci Collection in Istanbul. Other collections include the University of Limerick, Bank of Ireland, Aer Rianta, Dublin City University and The Office of Public Works. De Brí is also in many significant private collections both nationally and internationally.

Please note that some of the sculptures are in limited editions, so please contact the gallery to enquire about orders.  Editions usually take 4-6 weeks to cast.