Dorothy Cross is an Irish artist who draws inspiration from many sources, but is deeply inspired by Connemara, her home. The sea inspires much of her work; sharks play a particular role in her practice.
As an artist, her practice has a more curatorial approach. She incorporates the use of found objects. Cross’ work deals with themes of time, and often cause the viewer to meditate on the dialogue between nature and humanity. Her pieces carry a primal and sacred presence. The fascination with sharks also recalls this notion of deep time; as ancient creatures, they have been on this planet for millions of years. In Shark Heart Submarine, pictured above, the viewer is confronted with many different avenues of history: an antique artist easel, a sleek submarine, and the knowledge that a shark heart is nestled somewhere within. Time flows through the piece, cycling back, both modern and contemporary and yet still ancient. Her unique practice places her at the forefront of Irish art today.
brittany baldwin 