Siobhán Hapaska

Siobhán Hapaska was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1963. She lives and works in London.

Hapaska continually reconsiders the role of the object in contemporary sculpture. At the core of Hapaska’s work is a consideration of human relations. Accepting all the difficulties of our current global condition and its often-violent opposing forces and conflicting ideologies, her work strives to find a position of balance and a sense of equilibrium. Hapaska goes about this with a dazzling array of materials, each loaded with history and multiple readings. These materials are persuaded into complex relationships of both potential energy and harmony. Often enigmatic in form, each work or installation betrays a sober exploration of emotion that is undercut with a sense of humour and always devoid of cynicism or pessimism.

A selection of Hapaska’s solo exhibitions includes Kunst Museum, St Gallen, Switzerland (2020); Douglas Hyde Gallery, Dublin (2020); John Hansard Gallery, University of Southampton, UK (2019); Kerlin Gallery, Dublin (2016); Andéhn-Schiptjenko, Stockholm (2016); Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam (2014–2015); Magasin 3 Stockholm Konsthall, Stockholm (2013); Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, New York (2010) and Camden Arts Centre, London (2007). Group exhibitions includes Kerlin Gallery, Dublin, Ireland (2019, 2018) White Cube Bermondsey, London (2017); Bloomberg SPACE, London (2016); 56th Venice Biennale, Italy (2015); Royal Academy, London (2010); the British Art Show 6 (2005–2006); 49th Venice Biennale, Italy (2001); Magasin 3 Stockholm Konsthall, Stockholm and Documenta X, Kassel (1997).

Hapaska’s work is included in several collections, including Museum Boijmans Van Beunigen, Rotterdam; TATE, London; Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin; Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington DC.