Hugh Cummins's ‘Transformation’, examined by OCG volunteer Natalia Sikora

Hugh Cummins

'Transformation'


A closer look by Natalia Sikora, volunteer at Olivier Cornet Gallery

Hugh Cummins, Transformation, Burr Elm, 11x20.8x25cm, woodart, Olivier Cornet Gallery, Dublin
In early March 2023, Natalia Sikora, volunteer at the Olivier Cornet Gallery wrote about Hugh Cummins's 'Transformation', a beautiful piece in Burr Elm. This work is available for purchase (650 euro).

"Our entire lives are composed of a series of transformations, however in the case of Hugh Cummins’ work titled just that - ‘Transformation’ - I particularly enjoy the complex theme of change and its multiple layers of meaning. The art piece was part of a 2015 group exhibition at Olivier Cornet Gallery named ‘5 Cavendish Row’ which references the gallery’s location prior to its move to 3 Great Denmark Street. The show co-curated with writer, architectural enthusiast, local historian and owner of Dublin Decoded - Arran Henderson - centered around the fascinating history of Cavendish Row and its surroundings. 

Parnell Square, previously known as Rutland Square has its roots in the founding of the Rotunda Hospital by famed Irish surgeon Bartholomew Mosse. In particular, the 5 Cavendish Row address played a paramount role in Irish history considering that it served as Michael Collins’ hideout. The location also holds the entrance of a secret tunnel running under the square and was home to a pirate radio station, adding another layer of Irish historical and political importance. These transitions throughout time and the turbulent past of the area are reflected by the folds and ripples frozen in the body of the wood. 

The rectangular form of the ‘Transformation’ piece non-coincidentally emulates the form of the Parnell Square and the material’s significance lies in the history of its source. As stated by Cummins, “produced from Elm wood, this piece references the many Elm trees that were originally planted in the Rotunda Pleasure Gardens. However, like Rutland Square, the once unblemished wood has been transformed into a tableau of pockmarked stains, destruction and recreation altering its smooth appearance. Such a process is synonymous with the palimpsest of infrastructure that now covers Parnell Square.” 

The circumstances of the show have also followed the theme of transformation as it took place during the move from 5 Cavendish Row to the current gallery space. The exhibition’s accompanying live performance "but the distance between” by the artist Aodán McCardle was also affected by the changes due to its initial scheduling for the exhibition's original location.

Natalia Sikora
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