Courses

Cian Handschuh

Cian Handschuh is a visual artist currently practicing in Dublin, Ireland. His work often uses sculptural installation to explore questions of dwelling, nationality and heritage. He is interested in exploring how the built environment (housing, infrastructure, architecture) contributes to social structures. His work is heavily process-based and commonly uses self-harvested and foraged wild material, such as clay, sand and water reeds. He has exhibited in group shows such as Diplomakiállítások at Magyar Képzőművészeti Egyetem (2022) and In the Making: Bread at Pallas Projects (2023).

**Installation view** *Immobilisation notice*, 2023 , *Groundfast*, 2023.

*Immobilisation notice*, 2023, cement, beach sand, tyre, water reed, hazel wood, metal chain, cement on canvas, dimensions variable

**Detail** *Immobilisation notice*, 2023, cement, beach sand, tyre, water reed, hazel wood, metal chain, cement on canvas, dimensions variable

*Groundfast*, 2023, concrete, *various wild clays, beach sand temper, dimensions variable

**Detail** *Groundfast*, 2023, concrete, *various wild clays, beach sand temper, dimensions variable

Artist's statement

My practice aims to examine links between body and land using the dwelling as a mutual space and an analysis point for their interaction. The work looks at the primordial and spiritual connection we have with the materials that form a dwelling and their function as an extended body. This aims to place us within the meshwork of our environment, not as a new way of living but as an existence prior to their separation. My practice is further concerned with the impact and imposition of the urban, built environment on this meshwork and therefore combines and contrasts formal, structural elements with the natural. The work seeks to shorten the bridge between us and our dwelling and provide a sense of nearness. Through the examination of the dwelling, naturally my practice also looks to heritage and nationality as a means of obtaining a sense of belonging.

*Knockmaree Dolmen: 53.356398, -6.351078
Giant’s Tomb: 53.253218, -6.158199
Kiltiernan Tomb: 53.238549, -6.210326
Aideens Grave: 53.377718, -6.078183