Rowan Mersh

With a degree in Textiles from the Royal College of Art in 2005, Mersh’s practice has evolved from textile sculptures and kinetic installations, to large- scale wall pieces and freestanding sculptures made of thousands of components of various materials. Since 2012, the artist has predominantly worked with responsibly sourced seashells, comprising of Dentalium, Turritella and Placuna. Painstakingly hand assembling each shell into mesmerising patterns the artist creates exceptional sculptural pieces famous for their fluidity and soft-like aesthetic.

“I am drawn to the humble seashell as a medium of expression both for my fascination with aspects of their historical, social, and contextual functions,” says Mersh,“and for the inherent beauty that can be found within the material itself.”

Rowan Mersh lives and works in London; his works have been acquired by private and public collections worldwide, most notably the V&A, Jerwood and The Crafts Council collections. Commissions and special projects include works for the Mercury Music Prize, Fendi and Veuve Clicquot. His work Asabikeshiinh (Dreamcatcher) was awarded the Best Contemporary Design prize at PAD London 2016.