Background Information
Born in Galway, I graduated from Limerick School of Art and Design in 1996 with a Degree in Fine Art. I also hold Diploma’s in Art and Design and Design Tuition from Limerick School of Art and Design and Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology. I completed my Masters degree in the Crawford College of Art where I specialised in video art and installation based-work. I won experimental film script for 2005 from Cork Film Centre. I was one of 39 video artist’s selected by Nigel Rolfe and Cliodhna Shaffery for Peripheral Visions. I recently won Cork Printmakers residency 2006. I curated “ Fetish in a box” for Art Trail 2006. I curated “Death and Desire” a group show, of installation, video and performance will be exhibited in Sirius Arts Centre Cobh in April. ” I have never seen your face” a two person exhibition in West Cork Arts Centre, May 19th.

“Lure of the Apple”, 1998
Is an insallation piece that I did as a part of a group show while living in the Middle East.I decided to use particular symbols from Western and Middle Eastern Culture. The work comprised of delicate,decorative and figurative images which were contained and placed within a series of black padded boxes with a veil in front of them, mimicking the traditional dress of the Middle East. The veil obscured the elements inside from the viewer. The viewer could interact with the piece as they could lift the veil almost giving a sense of seeking the forbidden. Through this installation piece I questioned my role as a woman.

“Unveiled” 2002
For this show I made three wall-mounted pieces which consisted of several smaller components. I found myself very drawn to geometric patterns and structures which one would find in Islamic art. These patterns were rigid and followed a set of rules and logic. However, within these structures were sometimes placed more decorative, flowing, natural elements which to me were drawing comparisons to logic and disorder. The work could be viewed as one piece or serval pieces as it was comprised of serval smaller components. I saw it as a metaphor for the sociological idea of being a small part of a larger system. The three pieces would echo how I felt about identity of women.

“Purtiy is Sacrificed”, 2004
Purity Sacrificed is a video piece where I deal with the harsh and unyielding realities of the individual’s desire for acceptance in a culture controlled by visual stimuli.

“And at the end”, 2005
Is a video art piece mentored by Nigel Rolfe for Peripheral Visions. It is based on love and hurt.

“Indigo Colouring You”
Is a short experimental film based on a tragic accident. Kerry Film Festival 2006.

“Tear Stained Pain”, Death and Desire 2007
Tear Stained Pain comprises of 49 papercast love hearts, which have been painted and beaded. This work deals with adoration,altering images, eroticism and pain.“

I Have Never Seen your Face”, 2007
Deals with issues of identity and sexuality with more personal issues of illness, disintegration and vulnerability.

Sandra_Minchin@hotmail.com