LONDON.- Gallery FUMI presents “Praeteritum, Praesens et Futurum” a solo show by Rowan Mersh consisting in a collection of new pieces that encompass his work over the past five years.
“Praeteritum, Praesens et Futurum - Latin for past, present and future” - says the sculptor - “is a moment of reflection on my practice to move towards the future. I feel it is important to reflect upon my previous works in order to move beyond the logical order of progression creatively. This collection of new works represents critical sculptural moments from both my past and present while anticipating unexplored territories.”
With a degree in Textiles from the Royal College of Art in 2005, Mersh’s practice has evolved from textile sculptures and kinetic installations, to large-scale wall pieces and freestanding sculptures made of thousands of components of various materials.
Since 2012, the artist has predominantly worked with responsibly sourced seashells, comprising of Dentalium, Turritella and Windowpane Oyster.
“I am drawn to the humble seashell as a medium of expression both for my fascination with aspects of their historical, social, and contextual functions, and for the inherent beauty that can be found within the material itself.”
Mersh experiments with form by exploring and celebrating the natural qualities of materials that he uses for the creation of extraordinary works. His hard, sculptural, shell pieces are famous for their fluidity and soft-like aesthetic that he creates by painstakingly handassembling each shell into mesmerising patterns.
The artist regularly exhibits internationally with Gallery FUMI and his sculptures have been acquired by major private and public collections worldwide, most notably the Victoria & Albert Museum, Jerwood and The Crafts Council collections.
His commissions and special projects include works for the Mercury Music Prize, Fendi and Veuve Clicquot. Recently his Asabikeshiinh (Dreamcatcher) was awarded with the Moët Hennessy Prize as Best Contemporary Design at PAD London 2016.
