The Golden Bough: Garrett Phelan: Radio Tombs and Interruption - Hugh Lane Gallery

This project of new work by Garrett Phelan consists of sculptural and drawing elements, all black in colour and each holding their meaning within their physical form. Radios are buried within each of the sculptures, or Tombs, broadcasting a barely audible random radio signal. Phelan does not use artificial light in the space, only the natural light falling from the ceiling above. Apart from the feint sound the only apparent existence of electromagnetics within the space are the plugs from the Radio Tombs entering the sockets on the wall and the black wire flexes forming snake-like shapes around the Tombs. Texts are cast onto the concrete surface of the Radio Tombs adding a cryptic entry point into the meaning of the work. As a counterbalance to the Tombs, Phelan sprays directly onto the gallery wall one of his black ‘Interruptions – a dark and unfathomable form.

Profile

Garrett Phelan has developed a distinctive practice through ambitious, site-specific projects that include drawing, independent FM radio broadcasts, sculptural installations, photography, animation and text ephemera. Recent solo exhibitions and commissions include HEED FM, Arts Council of Ireland, Dublin, 2016; A VOODOO FREE PHENOMENOM, Project Arts Centre, Dublin, 2015; NEW FAITH LOVE SONG at Irish Museum of Modern Arts, Dublin, 2012; ELECTROMAGNETIC PHENOMENON at Context Gallery, Derry 2011; Between two ITs, SMART Project Space, Amsterdam, 2010; and group exhibitions at EVA International, Limerick, 2014; Palais des Beaus-Arts de Bruxelle, 2013; AIR de Lyon, Buenos Aires, 2012; Institute of Contemporary Arts, London, 2012; 11th Biennale de Lyon, 2011.

Garrett Phelan, Studio Mural for Radio Tombs and Interruption, image courtesy of the artist and mother’s tankstation.