Jemma Byrne
My series of surreal landscapes reflect an uncharted planet where, in my work as a field artist, I document wildlife. My canvases act as portals into unfamiliar ecosystems, rich with bioluminescent flora, ethereal creatures, and alien landscapes that challenge conventional ideas of biology and existence. I set up my easel in these imagined terrains and explore how light interacts with unknown forms.
My goal is to express not only the visual otherworldliness, but the vitality, harmony, and interdependence inherent in these ecosystems. Through each piece, I invite viewers to consider our relationship to the unknown, reflect on our definitions of life and our responsibility to all forms of existence within a shared cosmic web.
In my work I have learned how to break the mould and experiment freely with the shape of my canvas, which need not be rectangular or square. I discovered the beauty of triptychs and how simple, yet unique they can be. I created several triptychs of varying size, each depicting a vivid landscape full of life.
Jemma Byrne is an Irish artist living in Ireland. Her practice focuses on themes of discovery, creation and exploration. Fueled by her lively travels from her youth, still upheld to this day, she pours her love for nature and fantasy into her work. Focusing on imagery from her own travels she merges familiar landscapes of Ireland with unnatural and surreal colours, attempting to create a fictional land, filled with peculiar flora and fauna. The creation of each creature relies on the affects and needs for survival in its chosen environment. She uses media ranging from digital rendering to acrylic pens and paint to plan and create each piece.
