Matter Mammal Oil Soar is an experiment in art writing which explores the work of visual artist Orla Whelan. Playfully subverting conventions of art criticism, this publication reimagines notions of authorship, advocacy and agency, giving critical voice to the artist while painting a fuller picture of what is at play within an art practice, an exhibition and a body of work. With an essay by Noah Lawler and contributions from Dr. Rowena Hall and Lorna Whale, each text offers alternative insights into themes that inform Whelan's work, while considering what can be said about painting, colour and the transcendent potential of art.
Matter Mammal Oil Soar was designed by Ruth Martin and published by Whale Dust, with 56 pages, 21 x 13.8cm, softback, thread sewn, offset printed in full colour by Print Media Services. Matter Mammal Oil Soar received support from the Arts Council of Ireland through a Visual Art Bursary.
Orla Whelan is a visual artist whose practice is rooted in painting. In 2021, she produced the book Matter Mammal Oil Soar and participated in 6th Biennial of Painting in association with Pallas Projects at Meštrović Pavilion, Zagreb, Croatia. In 2020, she completed A More Immortal Atlas, a solo exhibition at Rathfarnham Castle (OPW) Dublin. In 2019, she was winner of the inaugural Merrion Plinth Award, she completed a large site specific commission for Facebook offices in Dublin, and undertook a residency at The Irish Museum of Modern Art. Orla received a visual Arts Bursary from the Arts Council of Ireland in 2020 and 2021. She is founder and director of the artists collective AtHomeStudios and the publishing project Whale Dust. Her work is held in the collections of Trinity College Dublin, the Office of Public Works and many private collections. She lives and works in Dublin, Ireland.
Paperback
56 pp | 21 x 31.8cm