Nigel Rolfe facts for kids

Nigel Rolfe (born in 1950) is a famous artist who creates performance art and video art. He was born in England but lives in Ireland. He is part of Aosdána, which is a special group of top Irish artists.

About Nigel Rolfe

Nigel Rolfe was born on the Isle of Wight in 1950. He went to art schools like the Farnham School of Art and Bath Academy of Art to study.

Nigel Rolfe's Art Career

Moving to Ireland and Performance Art

Nigel Rolfe moved to Ireland in 1974. He started working at the Project Arts Centre. In the late 1970s, he became very involved in performance art. This type of art often involves the artist doing something live in front of an audience.

The Irish Museum of Modern Art says that his art includes many different forms. These forms are installation art (where art is set up in a space), drawing, photography, video, and sound. His work often looks at how history affects people and society.

Art in the 1980s and 1990s

In the 1980s and 1990s, Nigel Rolfe worked with an art group called Black Market International. In the 1980s, much of his art was about a time of conflict in Northern Ireland, known as The Troubles.

In 1984, The Washington Post newspaper described his unique style. They said he was a "performance sculptor." He would create art on the ground and hang fabric using natural materials like flour and soot. Then, he would roll his body in them to either erase his art or transfer it onto himself.

Important Art Shows and Recognition

In 1990, Nigel Rolfe's artwork called "Hand On Face" was shown at a big event. This event was a tribute to Nelson Mandela for a free South Africa. In 1991, he received money to support his art from the American National Endowment for the Arts.

His art was featured in special shows that looked back at his career. One was at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in 1994. Another was at the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris in 1996. In 2000, he was chosen to be a member of Aosdána.

Inspirations and Teaching

Nigel Rolfe has mentioned other famous artists who have inspired him. These include Joseph Beuys, Pina Bausch, and Marina Abramović.

He has also taught art at several well-known schools. These include the Royal College of Art, London, Chelsea School of Art and Design, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Nigel Rolfe's Life in Dublin

Nigel Rolfe lives in Dublin, Ireland. His wife, Angela, is an architect, which means she designs buildings.