Struàn Bell

Struàn Bell

1 September to 17 October 2026

During his residency at Uillinn, Struàn Bell aims to use the studio as a space for sustained research, material testing, and reflection. Rather than working toward a fixed outcome, the residency will focus on expanding an ongoing body of sculptural relief works by introducing new materials, processes, and methods of construction. This period of concentrated experimentation will allow Bell to examine how meaning, memory, and symbolic charge attach themselves to objects and architectural forms, and how subtle shifts in material can alter the reading of a work.

This approach reflects Bell’s wider practice, which moves between sculpture, drawing, and writing, and is grounded in an interest in speculative systems, constructed spaces, and the contemporary relevance of the Sublime. His works often resemble artefacts or fragments from unknown belief systems, suggesting purpose without resolving it. The residency aligns with his broader commitment to research-led making, where reading, writing, and material experimentation are treated as equally important forms of production.

Public engagement is an important part of the residency. Bell proposes to host an artist talk introducing his practice and research interests, situating the work within broader conversations around symbolism, architecture, and commemorative objects. He is also interested in developing a participatory discussion or workshop that invites members of the public to reflect on objects of personal or symbolic importance, using these conversations to think collectively about how meaning becomes embedded in material things.

Struàn Bell (b. 2000, St. Helier, Jersey) is a Scottish-Irish visual artist working across drawing, sculpture, painting, and art writing. He lives and works in Cork, where he is a studio member at Sample-Studios. A graduate of Limerick School of Art and Design (BFA, First Class Honours, 2023), Bell has received the Arts Council of Ireland’s Agility Award (2024) and Visual Arts Bursary (2025), and was a member of The Douglas Hyde Student Forum, 2024. Alongside his studio practice, he is involved in exhibition production across Ireland, working with organisations including EVA International, Limerick City Gallery of Art, and The Glucksman.

Instagram: @struanbellartist www.struanbell.com

This residency is supported by a 2025 Visual Arts Bursary from the Arts Council of Ireland, and by a Sample-Studios ‘Sample 15’ Artist Bursary.

Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre acknowledges the financial support of The Arts Council  / An Chomhairle Ealaíon in making these residencies possible.