For the 2008 Dublin Art Fair, Oisin Byrne was awarded one of four Project Platform spaces at the centre of the fair.
The origami sculptural pieces are starmaps which fold in and around themselves infinitely, expressing the idea of a dimensional universe: of a universe which constantly folds in on itself to reveal a new reality. The photograph work looks at the idea of the infinite inside of the infinitesimal. A group of freckles on the bodies of two lovers map out star constellations visible from earth. This map of the stars has been etched onto their skin in melanin by our very own star, the sun.
project platform
space: oisin byrne
origami and video pieces
folding and unfolding star space
floor drawing in flour
space: oisin byrne
glamour grannies: detail
madame rosine favey, paris.
space: oisin byrne
detail of photo: celestial bodies
space: oisin byrne
we are stardust, lightbox.
space: oisin byrne
CIRCA Magazine Review of Project Platform.
“Oisín Byrne’s usual phantasmogorical origami constructions were on this occasion supplemented by what seemed to be two-dimensional, flattened versions of the same, executed as a kind of geodesic wall drawing ringing the lower walls of the space. There were also accompanying video, portait and photographic works.”
Padraic E Moore (Curator Hugh Lane)
“Those familiar with Oisin Byrne’s oeuvre will notice a number of significant differences between this current body of work and his back catalogue. Heretofore, Byrne’s work is characterised by a unique style manifested in his paintings and drawings, which flicker between prismatic abstraction and fantastical figuration.
Though the work exhibited suggests the artist is veering towards a more austere and methodical approach, Byrne’s work continues to betray a preoccupation with thaumaturgy. Moreover, the work displayed here is directly affiliated with previous work, being distinguishable by a rigorous, almost obsessive but meditative production process.
The preoccupation with celestial bodies and constellations allows Byrne to continue creating work that radiates a sense of wonderment and enchantment whilst simultaneously developing an analytical, empirical and restrained idiom.
Ostensibly it may seem as though Byrne (who has become particularly well known for his installations) is the only contributor to Project Platform not to create an all encompassing immersive environment, it becomes apparent upon contemplation that each of the components in his booth are connected conceptually in an interconnecting dialogue. It is the quietly confident space between the works where new meaning is born and where the spectator is permitted to construct their subjective relationships between the pieces.”