Natalie McIlroy

Natalie McIlroy: "photography, site specific installation and sculpture are the three main areas that my practice resides. Practicing as both an artist and curator, I take inspiration from diverse landscapes , communities, historical places and ‘non art’ spaces. I consider visiting museums, archives, libraries and local history centers a vital component to my practice. My methodology combines spontaneous and intuitive responses whilst acknowledging or subverting previous historical, scientific or social political research. I have a sensitive approach to site and many of my pieces have only existed in the space in which they were constructed. The research that I undertake at the beginning of each project dictates the materials used. For example in Preservation at the Proof Gallery, Boston, USA, I created a large ice sculpture in response to research I conducted in to the Massachusetts ice harvesting of the 1800s. I thrive on historical anecdote and the juxtaposition between fact and romanticism. This fascination with cultural history has lead me to many unusual sites throughout Europe and America, from Spanish convents to former Rum distilleries. In many ways, my practice is collaborative in the sense that I am eager to engage with communities; discovering new literal and symbolic languages. I have an enthusiasm for archives and mapping strategies throughout the ages which translate in to my own methodology of creating and documenting work".