Spider Tree by Ben Reilly

An exhibition of sculpture and print by SETU art lecturer Ben Reilly entitled ‘Spider Tree’ takes place at Garter Lane Arts Centre from September 22 to November 18.

“Spider Tree refers to a particular gnarly old yew tree that to me, particularly in winter, looks like a long-legged circular black spider. In the summer, it fills out into a sort of glowing circle that has the look of a very hairy dog's head,” says Ben, “This tree became my start point for drawings during that period of restricted walking. At first, I used these drawings and photos in photo etching, but for the last year and a half, I have been working on them through sculpture and they have now developed into this small forest.”

About Ben

Ben Reilly graduated from Crawford College of Art and Design 1987; completed a BA Archaeology in University College Cork in 1995; and received a MA, in fine Art sculpture, Winchester College of Art and Design, 1999. He has worked consistently as an artist since 1987 and has had solo exhibitions across Ireland and in Germany.

Ben has participated in group shows in Europe, China, and America. He has been in receipt of a Department of Education Scholarship award, Irish Arts Council Bursary, and Materials Grant, Claremorris Open Adjudicators award, and a culture Ireland Grant.

In addition, Ben has worked as a film projectionist at the Triskel Art Centre Cork and for Cork Film Festival (1988/95). He worked as an Archaeologist (1991/ 2003). At present, he is a full-time fine art lecturer at SETU.