Rachel Maloney’s work explores the Marine Environment, the natural beauty of the ocean, and the delicate balance of nature which in more recent times has been upset due to climate change and human interference.

Jellyfish are taking over waters once dominated by fish and are a worrying sign of a serious imbalance and rising temperature in the coastal environments. They are some of the oldest multi-organ animals in the world, existing in some shape or form for at least 500 million years, somehow always adapting to the changing climate.

Rachel explores the form, shape, different textural and translucent qualities of the many species of jellyfish by creating 3D sculptural and aerial installations. Studying the way, they pulse through the water and the flowy jelly-like substance that make up their configuration. Observing the globular shape, and the patterns the tentacles create around this, sometimes almost appearing alien-like in appearance. The opposite of the structure of the human body.

Experimenting with fabrics and textiles to create these installations, she works with what the fabric has to offer, moulding, stretching, and shaping it to make the forms of the jellyfish. Always using upcycled materials and sourcing from second hand shops, she is aware of the massive textile waste issue, that is caused by fast fashion, and a disposable way of living. Working with these waste materials to create almost ethereal and eye-catching aerial installations.

This year for Mountshannon Arts Festival she will be creating an installation-based piece of work, combining various textile and sculptural shapes, with screenprinted fabrics, inspired by the ocean to create a tactile, soft, and playful exhibition piece..