Mel French

   I am  a multi-disciplinary visual artist. My work is centred around what it is to be human, exploring both the psychological and the physical. I am drawn to themes deeply rooted in human function and dysfunction, including issues of gender, sex, roles and psychology. Often comparing these investigations with that of animals utilising themes such as behavioural ecology and evolution, zoology and adaptation. Work develops through obsessive research and the collection of and experimentation with material and process.

Aedin McGinn, Curator, Luan Gallery writes in an introduction to the solo exhibition of French’s work ‘ Between a Rock and a Hard Place ‘ Luan Gallery 2015, “ Once the initial ‘shock’ factor is surpassed in Mel French’s work what remains is a palpable sensitivity. The topics that French is discussing are emotional, powerful and perceptive. French makes us look at depression and the isolation felt when burdened with a “Black Dog”, she makes us consider the utter defencelessness of infancy and the overwhelming human urge to nurture. She makes us look at the transience and vulnerability of emotion and she does this by firstly slapping us in the face and then caressing the reddened cheek. This work manages to shock and enthrall simultaneously, which is no mean feat.