Sculptor Mark Revels at work on the 'Sugar Metropolis' collaborative sculpture at the Royal Ulster Academy of Arts Annual Exhibition, Ulster Museum, Belfast

Sculptor Mark Revels with his sugar cube bridge in the 'Sugar Metropolis' installation at the Royal Ulster Academy of Arts Annual Exhibition, Ulster Museum, Belfast

VINCENT, FRANCOIS. "Sugar Metropolis Needs You", Banbridge Chronicle, Northern Ireland, Wednesday 6 November 2013, p. 3

Rave Reviews and Ulster Tatler Praise

By Francois Vincent

LOUGHBRICKLAND artist and sculptor, Mark Revels has been enjoying rave reviews ever since his first-ever solo exhibition opened, a few weeks ago, the Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick.

Loughbrickland artist Mark Revels posing for the Ulster Tatler photographer at the opening of his exhibition in the Down Arts Centre in Downpatrick.

LOUGHBRICKLAND artist and sculptor, Mark Revels has been enjoying rave reviews ever since his first-ever solo exhibition opened, a few weeks ago, at the Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick.

In fact, talented Mark, has been lapping up life in the artistic fast lane with none other than the Ulster Tatler's art critic turning up on the opening night.

Mark's exhibition features highly in the current edition of the prestigious magazine, something which the local artist is obviously very proud of.

The thought-provoking artwork on display, with it recurrent 'viral' theme, features bronze, ceramic and print works, as well as a cast of Mark's own body!

Intriguing though the collection of artwork may be, it was very well received by the many guests who flocked to the gallery on the opening night, as Mark explained: "People's reactions to my work have been overwhelming - I couldn't ask for better reviews. I had over 80 people in attendance on my opening night and the majority of them came to congratulate me on the body of work I had on display. Curators and interns from other galleries came along, but the true 'VIPs' that stood out for me were my family, partner and friends."

"The Ulster Tatler reviewer was there on the night of the opening and was incredibly complimentary of the show." Even more pleasing for Mark is the fact that acclaimed Northern Ireland sculptor Brendan Jamison, who is internationally renowned, hailed the Loughbrickland artist's first-ever solo effort as "one of the most exciting and ambitious sculpture exhibitions ever displayed at the Down Arts Centre."

Mark explained that sculpture was his favourite art form: "I work predominantly in 3D, so sculpture would be my chosen medium. My work tends to have weighty issue-based subjects to them. I like to use my work to challenge the viewers. It's like holding up a mirror to society and asking them to take a look. I have received many glowing reviews and have been involved in many prestigious exhibitions, including the annual RUA Exhibition (Royal Ulster Academy) and one a little more local, but by no means any less prestigious, that of the 'Home Grown' exhibition at the F.E. McWilliam Gallery."

Mark's exhibition can be viewed at the Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick, until the end of the week (August 31).

A centrepiece in Mark Revel's exhibition is a cast of his own body.

Mark is also a keen biologist, hence the 'viral theme' of his exhibition which can be viewed until the end of the month.

VINCENT, FRANCOIS. "Rave Reviews", Banbridge Chronicle, Northern Ireland, Wednesday 28 August 2013, p. 10