Helen Hughes, Artist
PLEXIGLAS®
Dublin, Ireland
Helen Hughes Exhibition
Access Plastics recently collaborated with artist Helen Hughes on her exhibition “Finding the Most Forgiving Element,” held at the Butler Gallery. This new body of work includes sculptures, print works, and two short films. The project emphasizes the importance of materiality and the physical process in Hughes’ predominantly sculptural practice. Her work draws inspiration from mass-produced commodities and the tactile surfaces of retail, aiming to reconnect with materiality in an increasingly virtual world.
Access Plastics played a crucial role in this project by supplying and fabricating PLEXIGLAS® sheets used to create stands for displaying Hughes’ artwork. The fabrication process involved bending, gluing, and flame polishing 12mm PLEXIGLAS® sheets.
Additionally, 8mm pink PLEXIGLAS® was heat-bent and formed in an oven to maintain its shape, showcasing the technical expertise and craftsmanship of Access Plastics
In her exhibition, Hughes creates a dialogue between materials, processes, signifiers, and space, invoking a deeply empathetic quality reminiscent of Eva Hesse’s post-minimalist art. Hughes’ ability to discover and highlight hidden qualities within materials has led to a powerful and distinctive body of work that resonates with viewers.
Helen Hughes, a Mayo-born artist based in Dublin, has a rich educational background, including a BA in Fine Art from Chelsea College of Art and Design, London, and a Masters in Visual Arts Practices from IADT Dublin. Her work has been widely exhibited and has received numerous commendations. Hughes’ artistic process involves extensive research and experimentation with materials, resulting in vibrant, glossy, and ephemeral works that challenge and expand the traditional functions of these materials. Her upcoming projects include a public art commission for Lemon Street in Dublin and a solo exhibition at Ballina Arts Centre in 2025. Photo Credit: Ros Kavanagh
