Following its debut at Turner Contemporary, Margate, UK, the RHA is delighted to present Connemara an exhibition of new and existing work by Dorothy Cross. Connemara has long been a destination for painters attempting to document the sea, sky, land and light. Connemara is also home to Dorothy Cross, and the source of inspiration for this new exhibition of her work. Cross’s sculpture, film and photography examine the relationship between living beings and the natural world around them, seeing both as sites of constant change, leaving residues of passing time, and strange and unexpected encounters.
Through major new commissions as well as existing works, the exhibition explores central themes in Cross’ practice, particularly the relationship between nature and the body, creation and destruction. Many of the artist’s works incorporate items found on the shore, including boats and animal skins, while others reflect on the environment. New videos will explore a cave near Cross’ home accessible only a few days a year, as well as Margate’s mysterious Shell Grotto.
Dorothy Cross, Shark-Heart Submarine, 2011, 19th century oak painters easel, model submarine, laminated wood, oil-gilded in white gold, shark’s heart in glass jar with alcohol, Dimensions variable, Courtesy of Dorothy Cross and Kerlin Gallery, Dublin.
