Dónal Molloy-Drum was born in Ireland, where the rugged landscape and rich cultural heritage deeply influenced his artistic sensibilities. From a young age, he exhibited a keen interest in the arts, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty and mythological tales of his homeland. He pursued formal education in fine arts, honing his skills.
Molloy-Drum’s early works reflects a fascination with the interplay between nature and human form. He experimented with various materials, eventually gravitating towards sculpture as his primary medium. His unique ability to breathe life into stone, metal, and wood quickly garnered attention within the art community. Molloy-Drum is known for his distinctive style that combines traditional techniques with contemporary themes. His sculptures often feature fluid, organic forms that evoke a sense of movement and emotion.
Molloy-Drum's sculptural practice looks at the relationships between volume and space, without mimicking any specific thing found within the landscape, the organic, biomorphic shapes in his sculptures appear connected to the natural world. Favoring utilitarian materials such as wood, plaster, concrete, stainless steel, Molloy-Drum intentionally pushes the limits of his materials to construct his polished, abstract and lively forms.
“Working with steel and mixed hardwoods my sculptures are sourced from both micro and macro elements of the natural world. These assemblages speak of the variance between strength and fragility, beauty and imperfection, stillness and movement and the spiritual and physical world.”
Throughout his career, Molloy-Drum has created numerous significant works, many of which are displayed in public spaces and private collections around the world. His sculptures have been featured in solo and group exhibitions in major cities, earning critical acclaim and several prestigious awards.
He migrated to Australia in 1997 and is a regular exhibitor and finalist in art prizes working from his rural property in the Wimmera region of Victoria, Australia and more recently from his studio near Kinsale in the South West of Ireland.