Daphne O’Connell’s work in the 2024 Show includes detail versions of Stephen (2024) and Constantine (2024). The work is hand-stitched and embroidered, the stitchingwork is precise and talented allowing for the artwork in O’Connell showcases in the exhibition to come alive with its great depth of colour and composition.
Stephen (2024) is a great example of this as we have been provided with the up-close detail versions of the work. These images allow us to see the fine-detail and reveals to the audience the process of creating the work- showcasing each stitch and its direction producing an impressionistic fabric impasto. The use of such technique allows the viewer to appreciate the effort, talent and time that has gone into creating the depth and complex details of the work. The natural colours of the fabric allows for warmth and a very painterly style.
Constantine (2024) is much different in composition to Stephen (2024); the skin tones have been kept blank allowing for the clothing to give a huge contrast. The face been given more prominence due to this along with the hair; therefore it is the first part of the work to be seen as those elements guide you towards it. Hence, the embroidery work feels personal and deeply authentic. As you are invited to much more closely examine the face of the work; you notice that there are white threads representing the beard.
Overall, Daphne O’Connell’s embroidery is heavily detailed and allows for the viewer to examine each stitch just like how you can see each brushstroke in an impressionist’s artwork. It also has allowed for us to see the great skill as it exposes what types of stitching has been used and how colours have been layered. Therefore, O’Connell’s work in this exhibition is an amazing addition!