Marianne Slevin

Marianne Slevin

My practice as a visual artist explores the growing divide between humans and nature, and ultimately a disconnection with ourselves, as we are part of nature. Through research and a visual process which spans across text pieces, drawing, painting both on paper and canvas as well as found and everyday objects, artists books, actions in public spaces and documentary photographs. I explore ethical topics both humanitarian and environmental. First through research I gain some kind of understanding, then through visual means I bring to light certain issues that have been suppressed within society. Though my process I hope to bring about some kind of personal transformation, and in turn communicate to the viewer that alternative visions and solutions are possible.

When this disconnection between us and nature, or our bodily integrity is taken away from us by force I feel compelled to take on the role of an activist within my practice as a visual artist.

In my most recent body of work I have chosen to make art about the mandatory fluoridation of Irish water, and previous work was about gender based issues such as foot binding, female genital mutilation and other related atrocities against women. In both cases people are denied bodily integrity.

The issues I work with are about dominance and control over nature and people so when I make the work I do the opposite, I release control and allow the environment, my physical body and my instinctive nature to play a large part in the work that comes about. Whether it is the more abstract Zen works or the work to do with humanitarian or environmental issues I aim for some ultimate harmony between myself and my environment, in hope of reconnecting the divide between us and nature, at least within myself.