Mike MacGabhann

Mike set up a low-tech printmaking studio in his allotted space within Angel Row Gallery. He ran a couple of workshops, and several open studio sessions, at which he was able to share his expertise in working with mono-prints, using materials such as corrugated card and wallpaper to break up and add layers to the prints.

He started exploring the impact of the process of bandaging his head. In this way he created ambiguous images, that moved from protective to threatening. As he started the process of bandaging, he appeared as vulnerable, in need of care, the bandage covering and protecting injury. The wrapping was the process of healing.

But as his whole head begins to be covered by the bandage, the response of concern turns into one of unease. The bandage has become overwhelming, stifling, suffocating.

With the head entirely covered, the identity of the person has been erased, leaving just the eyes - as with fighters wearing balaclavas to deliberately conceal their identity and remove their humanity. Still the same person, the image has changed to become one of a threatening, aggressive and sinister individual.

Other images explore the implications of obscuring and partially obliterating the face with textures derived from domestic wallpapers, card and constructed patterns.