Exhibition: Viruses, an exhibition by by Niki Collier

The University of Atypical is delighted to announce the upcoming exhibition Viruses by Niki Collier.

Viruses is Niki Collier’s first solo exhibition and is a new body of work from a practice that she describes as a ‘conversation on empathy and resilience’. Niki has for a number of years been developing these ideas through a series of textile sculptures inspired by micro-organisms including viruses, germs and reproductive cells such as the Common Cold, Norovirus and AIDS. The scale, visibility and tactility of these felted pieces reflect some of the intangible qualities that evade us in responding to coronavirus. The installation reflects our physical interaction with such micro-organisms; something that is particularly pertinent now as we learn to negotiate space as a virus alters and inhibits our movement.

Programmed prior to the outbreak of Covid-19, this timely exhibition reflects Niki’s long-term focus on microorganisms. Viruses is University of Atypical’s featured exhibition to coincide with their annual arts festival Bounce 2020 running from the 4th – 6th of December.

During the festival, they will host a felting workshop and artist talk, both of which will take place online via Zoom.

University of Atypical continues to operate inline with governmental Covid-19 guidelines, and as such the gallery is currently closed to the public, however you can view the space through the glass wall from our hallway for now.

About the Artist

Niki Collier is a visual artist and maker, originally from Bulgaria, who now lives and works in Marlay Park, Dublin. Her background spans science, technology and art spheres, and is reflected in a connection with materials – primarily wool fibres – that is both decorative and functional. She regularly delivers talks and workshops, including a number for University of Atypical in recent years.