PAPER 2003-2015

“Making works in series allows me to convey a sense of the perpetual movement and variation of the material world.”
Jenny McNulty

“Feeling the need… to break out from the painterly constraints of two dimensions, she has burst gleefully (there is no other word for it) into three.”
John Russell Taylor, 2006

The paper works are studies of how matter is formed and perceived: all of her art is an exploration of the fundamental structures of life. They build from three basic techniques: semi relief; cut-out, where three dimensions are perceived as light falls through the shapes; and relief, where light falling on a shape creates shadow and depth.

The works below are sold in secure box frames of matt white wood and clear glass, 60 cm square. Depth varies from 3cm to 13 cm, as specified by the artist to enable the intended light effect. They can also be supplied in acrylic boxes for an additional cost. For enquiries and a sales catalogue, email info@jennymcnultyartist.com or use the form on the contact page.

STILL LIFE 2003-2015

The Still Life works with paper are directly connected to her oil paintings and prints of arrangements of pots.

Semi relief, 2003-04: profiles of 9 pots recessed in 3 x 3 grid, the pots became more defined, the recess deeper through the series.

Cutouts, 2010-11: 9 pots in 3 x 3 grid, appear suspended, given form by light, some have local colour.

11_Colour-Still-Life-Grid-No2-2010 — Colour Still Life, 2010

14 Nine Pots 2010 — 9 pots, 2010 acrylic box 57 x 57 x 8 cm

13_2-Still-Life-Grid (cut out no 2) — (2) Still Life Grid JGMcNulty 2010

12_Nine-Pots ( Cut out no 3 ) — 9 pots, 2010

PLATONIC SHAPES

Three series which explore complexity and simplicity evolving from basic shapes (square, circle and triangle).

SQUARE CIRCLE TRIANGLE 2003-2008

Arrangements of shapes made of folded or cut paper arranged in a 3 x 3 grid. After 2006 all numbered as ‘Paper Relief’ eg PR no 2. The last (Untitled, 2008) is different in construction and arguably not part of this series.

28_No2 — Paper Relief No 2, 2003 56 x 56 cm

29_No3 — Paper Relief No 3, 2003 56 x 56 cm

30_No9 — Paper Relief No 9, 2003 56 x 56 cm

31_No11 — Paper Relief No 11, 2005 56 x 56 cm

32_No12 — Paper Relief No 12, 2005 56 x 56 cm (not for sale)

33_No14 — Paper Relief No 14, 2005 56 x 56 cm

34_No17 — Paper relief No 17, 2005, 47 x 47 cm in box 50 x 50 x 3.5 cms

36_No17D — Paper relief No 17D, 2007 56 x 56 cm

38_No18 — Paper Relief No 18, 2006 56 x 56 cm

26_Untitled — Paper Relief No 21, 2006 56 x 56 cm (not for sale)

37_Untitled — Untitled, 2008 (Relief with local colour) 56 x 56 cm

SQUARES AND LINES 2005-2008

A further simplification, a series of cut out squares and lines, all emphasised with local colour which becomes more subtle towards the end of the series. Squares are cut out, Lines are reliefs.

colour-squares-small — Untitled (Colour Squares) 2006 56 x 56 cm

24_Colour-Grid-No5 — Colour Grid No 5, 2008

25_Colour-Grid-No6-Sunset — Colour Spectrum No 6 (Sunset) 2008

Untitled, undated (Paper with local colour) 56 x 56 cm

CUT CIRCLES, SPIRALS, FLOWERS 2007-2012

In contrast to the minimalism of the Squares and Lines series, these works show the effect of linear and exponential progression in creating form. Cut Circles (2007) show form created by an increasing number of single cuts. Spirals and Flowers (2009-2012) use both cut-out and relief techniques to build complexity from division and multiplication: flowers have Fibonacci sequences in their hearts.

Photographs of paper: Colin White