Congratulations to Alan Meredith on the opening of his one-man exhibition, QUERCU, at the Lavit Gallery in Cork City, Ireland. The show, curated by Stephen O’Connell, features pieces executed in oak and will be on view through April 13.

   
Lavit Gallery is a not-for-profit exhibition space and art community hub in Cork City that promotes both emerging and established artists.

 

 

Alan grew up in a home called The Oak, so the tree species, quercus in Latin, is deeply planted in his psyche as a material and a symbol. His work explores the meaning and form of oak, emblem of strength and stalwartness, in massive trunks hewn into sculptural blocks that highlight the majesty and monumentality of his medium.

An apparent counterpoint are his turned vessels which look fragile with their folded lips and grain ring-patterned surfaces. But having made it through vulnerability to cracking and separating as the green oak – unseasoned fresh wood – dries and cures into its permanent form, these vessels show another side of oak as a medium, a facet that in its delicacy and nuance makes the wood’s resilience more poignant, especially in the face of dieback disease which is affecting many oaks in Europe.

 

“Oak is also significant in terms of heritage and tradition, both national and artistic.  Conscious of this, Alan Meredith carries forward a particular tradition of artists, craftspeople, and sculptors realizing forms inherent in their material. 

“The body of work shown represents Alan’s steadfast pursuit of these forms always striving to realize a sense of optimal balance.  This exhibition offers a moment for the artist to pause, after the arduous expenditure of time and energy, and for us, the audience, to reflect on his journey thus far and to wonder where yet it might go.”

– Stephen O’Connell, gallerist and curator

 

Stephen O’Connell (left) with artist, Alan Meredith

Left: Dearcán Diptych (Bleached no.124)   Right: Dearcán Diptych (Bleached no.123)