SHARJAH ISLAMIC ARTS FESTIVAL (SIAF) 2017/18 (DEC 13, 2017 - JAN 23, 2018) Installation ‘Vessel-V’ by Matt McConnell

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council and ruler of Sharjah, the Cultural Affairs Department at the Sharjah Department of Culture has organised the 20th Edition of the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival.

The installation 'Vessel-V', created by Matt McConnell is on view at the Sharjah Art Museum as part of the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival 2017/18.

Matt McConnell explains his installation to Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi at the opening of the exhibition / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

The installation 'Vessel-V' is from the series 'Vessel' and presents five aluminium circular arrays, that appear identical when seen from above. As they rise the layers emerge and create a 3D sculpture. Five vessel form an infinite series, the first set in form to become the next in series, each part of a larger vertical column. That gives the illusion of rotation, from the first to the last and back again, implying an endless process of rising up and down. When lit from above the circle arrays are expressed in shadow.

Matt McConnell holds degrees in Architecture and Industrial Design from the N.C. State College of design and has 20 years of professional experience in large-scale sculpture, architectural installation, lighting, and furniture design, including hundreds of commissions in a huge variety of materials and forms. Matt enjoys allowing the viewer to interpret the piece based on context and personal experience, while expressing concept of his own. Sculpture is an experience that should evoke thought, and he focuses on bringing the energy of spirit, nature, time, motion, gravity, sound, and other elements into the artwork.

Matt McConnell, 'Vessel-V', installation view / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Matt McConnell, 'Vessel-V', installation view / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Matt McConnell, 'Vessel-V', installation view / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Matt McConnell, 'Vessel-V', installation view / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Matt McConnell, 'Vessel-V', detail / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Matt McConnell, 'Vessel-V', detail / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Matt McConnell, 'Vessel-V', detail / Photo © Islamic Arts Magazine

Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival (SIAF) 2017/18 opened on December 13, 2017 and will run until January 23, 2018. Many exhibitions and large scale installations are on view at the Sharjah Art Museum, and on other venues such as Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Awqaf Department, Al Qasba, Maraya Art Centre, and Calligraphy Square.