Kildare Arts Service : Municipal Collection

‘Binary System’ - Michael Bulfin

Medium: Oil on Canvas

Dimensions: 145cm x 167cm

Born in Birr, County Offaly, in 1939, Michael Bulfin studied at University College Dublin and Yale University. In 1971 he represented Ireland at the Paris Biennale. From 1972 until 1976 he served as chairman of the Project Art Centre in Dublin, holding the same post at the Sculptor’s Society of Ireland from 1984 until 1992. As well being an artist Bulfin is also a scientist.

This work by Michael Bulfin, an artist more widely known for his sculptural works, has unusual framing, triangular rather than the more traditional square or rectangular canvas. The painting looks like an abstract work, but is in fact a painting of a binary star – a star system consisting two stars orbiting a shared centre of mass. Although atypical of his artwork, it brings together his work as a scientist and an artist.  

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