Ian Cumberland: Presence in Absence

JD Malat Gallery is pleased to announce Presence in Absence, a solo exhibition by Irish artist Ian Cumberland, from 7th September to 5th October 2020. Born in Banbridge in 1983, Cumberland is bestknown for his hyperrealist portraits of isolated subjects in detailed interiors, exploring themes of mass media culture, surveillance and the notion of the human 'self '.

 

Presence in Absence consists of installations that utilise portraits in a multi-part tableau, establishing a dialogue between objects. Cumberland's works involve an assemblage of theatrical objects, giving rise to an acute degree of realism. Reminiscent of Brecht and his theatre sets, the individuals in Cumberland's works are faced with a multitude of choices and possibilities and it is up to the viewer to decide what those choices will be. Although Cumberland begins the story, the audience finishes it.