ONLY REAL IS REAL

Kent O’Doherty’s textile sculptures explore the intricate relationship between memory, identity, and the shared human experience. This exhibition presents works that delve into the complex tapestry of self, questioning how individual histories and external perceptions shape who we become.

O’Doherty’s process is deeply introspective. Each sculpture begins with a single, unbroken length of fabric, reflecting his belief in accepting the totality of self and others. Fabric, intimately connected to the human body, becomes a central motif, acting as both shield and canvas, embodying vulnerability and resilience. Sewing, for O’Doherty, is a meditative act, a process of unraveling and reconstructing his understanding of self.

These sculptures are vessels of emotion and experience. They grapple with the subjective nature of memory and its power to shape our understanding of the past. O’Doherty views the body as a repository of experience, holding both triumphs and traumas, constantly reshaped by life’s currents. His work invites viewers to consider their own bodies as archives of personal history, marked by joy and pain.

The tightly bound palette focuses the viewer's attention, intensifying the communication. O’Doherty aims to create pieces that resonate viscerally, inviting dialogue about personal experiences and challenges. These sculptures don't offer answers, but provoke questions, encourage introspection, and foster a deeper understanding of the evolving nature of identity. They testify to art's power to connect us to ourselves and each other, reminding us of our shared human fabric.