Candy Coated
2008
The title ‘Candy Coated’ refers to the gloss of the mass media and its mollifying of realities, constructing, influencing and mobilize current political ideas, social viewpoints and shifting focus from where our consumables come from in order to keep the current economic systems functioning sugar-coating societies darker side. This body of mixed media paintings invites the viewer to consider many concepts and conveys these ideas in a modern twist on traditional storybook and nursery rhyme scenes, merging contemporary children’s culture through integration and juxtaposition of visual iconography from Kitsch or populist culture while involving my current environmental and social concerns. These works explore people’s preconceptions of stories, styles and characters, often invoking unease because the work doesn’t follow the expected format.
Hickety Pickety My Fine Hen 2008, Acrylic on Canvas.
Chick Chick Chicken 2008, Acrylic on Canvas.
Little Bow Peep & The SARS Sheep 2008, Oil on Canvas.
Humpty Dumpty 2008, Acrylic on Linen.
The Elves and the Shoemaker 2008, Acrylic, Charcoal and Oil on Canvas.
There Was A Little Girl Who Had A Little Curl 2008, Charcoal on Paper Mache Frame with found objects.
Once I Caught A Fish Alive 2008, Acrylic, Glitter and oil on Canvas.
The Elves and The Shoemaker (exterior) 2008, Mixed Media.
Little Tommy Tittle Mouse 2008, light installation charcoal and acrylic on wood.
Queen Queen Caroline 2008, Acrylic, Glitter and oil on Canvas.
Snow White 2008, Light installation, Oil and gold leaf on wood.
Creep Mouse 2008, Acrylic, Phosphorescent Pigment and Enamel on Canvas.
Creep Mouse 2008, Acrylic on Linen..
A Good Source of Calcium 2008, Acrylic on Linen..
The Exhibition
This body of work was created during Harriet’s first year of her MFA at the University of Ulster in Belfast. The work was first shown publicly on board The Belfast Barge as part of her 2008 end of year class show. The Belfast Barge is a 600 ton cargo barge moored on the river Lagan situated behind the Waterfront Hall on Lanyon Quay, Belfast City. The director of the ‘The Frameworks Art Gallery’ on the Ormeau Road, Belfast bought four of the paintings at the Boat Show’s reception for exhibition and resale at his gallery.
The rest of the works were shown that summer in Co. Sligo as part of Harriet’s first solo exhibition outside of art school. Candy Coated exhibited at Teach Bán Nua Gallery, Drumcliffe, Co. Sligo from 14th to 26th June 2008, with the opening reception on Saturday the 14th from 2-7pm.
Here are some photos from these exhibitions:
Original Press Release:
Teach Bán Nua Gallery Presents
Harriet Myfanwy Nia Tahany
Candy Coated
Killargue artist Harriet Myfanwhy Nia Tahany, winner of last year’s prestigious Taylors Art Award at the RDS student Art Awards in Dublin, is to show her first solo exhibition at Teach Ban Gallery, Drumcliffe, during 14th -26th June. Currently studying for her Masters in Fine Arts (MFA) at the University of Ulster, Belfast, Harriet invites the viewer through her work to consider many concepts and conveys her ideas in a modern twist on traditional fairy-tale and nursery rhyme scenes. She explains:
“This year during the 1st year of my MFA, I have developed concepts through use of materials and styles. Understanding how these styles and past formats in my work, speak to the viewer, I have been able to more intentionally use them to support my ideas.
“Candy Coated” is the title of this current body of work; this refers to the gloss of the prevailing mass media. I have merged childhood stories with contemporary children’s culture through integration and juxtaposition of visual iconography from populist Kitsch culture while involving my current environmental and social concerns. My work uses people’s preconceptions of the stories, styles and characters often invoking unease because the work doesn’t follow the expected format.
Candy Coated exhibits in Teach Bán Nua Gallery, Drumcliffe, and is open to the public from 14th to 26th June 2008, with the opening reception on Saturday the 14th from 2-7pm.