Siobhan McGibbon's practice is predominantly sculpture based with a distinct medical slant. Her work derives from a fascination with extraordinary medical conditions and the human relationship between aesthetics and corporeality.
Informed by study of teratology; the analysis of perceived abnormalities in the natural world, both real and imagined, the artist creates visual images of actual occurring phenomenons. Such as Congenital Hypertrichosis Languoniosa, a genetic syndrome where by the entire body is covered with thin Langua hair.
Uncommon conditions such as teratoma’s dominate the artists practice, rapid growths that consume and transform lives. Mcgibbon is fascinated by the body’s ability to stretch and morph itself almost beyond human recognition. Her work often references biographic stories of individuals with abnormal conditions.
Through this research McGibbon aims to explore society’s interpretation of conventional anatomy through the study of social psychology, the scientific study of how people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours are influenced by the actual, imagined or implied presence of others. The artist investigates the experience of encountering an abnormal body and our relationship with our own body, the surreal body and the notion of “normal” anatomy.
The artist is also interested in the scientific research into the diagnosis and treatment of specific abnormalities, the fallacy of surreal conditions and the evolution of the study of teratology; ancient myths that stem from misconceptions and creative interpretations of human condition.
Siobhan graduated from GMIT in 2009. Most recently her work has been exhibited in “death drive” in the Galway Arts Centre and in the 2013 RHA annual, for which she received the RHA Conor Falon Sculpture award. Other recent shows include “future perfect”, Rubicon Brussels Project, “Tulca” 2012, New Living Artist III and Dublincontemporary 2011.In 2013 McGibbon was awarded the 126 ArtFarm residency which will conclude in a exhibition in gallery 126 and the Creative Centre of Arts, Wales in 2014. McGibbon has also been artist in residence in the RHA and Takt, Berlin.