About

Mairead Dunne is an Irish artist and illustrator based in Cornwall, Uk. After graduating with an MFA at the University of Belfast, she went on to study an MA in Authorial Illustration at Falmouth University. During that time she illustrated ‘the clearing’ by Luke Thompson, winning the Michael Marks Illustrated Poetry Award at the British Library, London, 2016.

Dunne's practice explores the relationship between model-making, photography, and illustration. She creates carefully constructed miniature scenes that are photographed from close viewpoints, making them appear like full-sized environments. Drawing on elements of theatre, illusion, and early animation, her work blurs the line between reality and imagination. The finished images often have a quiet, atmospheric quality, combining a sense of playfulness with themes of memory, storytelling, and the imagined world.

Her work explores the role of model-making in contemporary art and illustration, moving between intimate photographic viewpoints and site-specific installations. Working mainly with miniature tableaux, she carefully composes each scene using elements of theatre and illusion. Influenced by early animation techniques and experimental photography, her work blurs the line between reality and imagination. The finished images have a quiet, atmospheric quality, combining playfulness with a sense of melancholy to create otherworldly scenes.

Contact: dunnemairead@yahoo.com
https://www.instagram.com/maireaddunne_art/