I HAVE NO RIGHT TO BE SO NEAR

Under the collective title, I HAVE NO RIGHT TO BE SO NEAR, taken from the closing line of William Orpen's poem, 'A Memory of the Somme', Phelan created two new artworks for the National Gallery of Ireland in response to an exhibition of Orpen's work 'Aftermath'.

Phelan created  one work in sound, 'RECITATION REVISED: Repeating aloud, imagining and feeling at the same time and Reliquary.' 

The other, 'Landscape - The La Boiselle Bowl and Reliquary.' created from clay acquired directly from the Somme. This work is inspired by the landscape of the Somme, both artworks reflect Phelan's personal interest in the psychology of trauma as well as his ongoing exploration of sacred sites and the connections between landscape, memory and myth. 

I HAVE NO RIGHT TO BE SO NEAR is now part of the Permanent collection of the National Gallery of Ireland. For more information click HERE.   

IMAGES : SHANE MCCARTHY