DABF22 Artist Commission: Marielle MacLeman

Marielle MacLeman uses plant dyes and tumble drier lint to draw attention to the invisible labour of care and its role within systems in built and natural environments. The work pieces together a range of perspectives and experiences stemming from the extended dialogue of To Care, a collaborative programme by Workhouse Union and VISUAL.

Born in Scotland and based in Galway, Marielle MacLeman’s work explores ideas of place and its material trace through 2-dimensional and sculptural processes, site-specific installation, and participatory and collaborative approaches. Recent commissions include To Care co-commission for Workhouse Union and VISUAL, Meta Dublin, University Hospital Waterford, University Hospital Galway, and a costume design for Elisabeth von Samsonow for Tulca Festival of Visual Arts. Her work is in the collections of the Arts Council of Ireland and the National University of Ireland, Galway and has been supported by the Arts Council of Ireland, Galway City Council, Scottish Arts Council, and Glasgow City Council. She has worked extensively in diverse healthcare settings and was awarded the Arts Council’s Artist in the Community Scheme Bursary Award 2018: Collaborative Arts in Health Contexts by Create.

Dublin Art Book Fair 2022: A Caring Matter is sponsored by Henry J Lyons and supported by Dublin UNESCO City of Literature.