Dermot O’Brien: Substance and Accident

O’Brien’s work often takes the form of the transformation of everyday objects into something new, wonderful and often magic in their simplicity and perfection of workmanship. Aristotle proposed the idea of substance and accident where an accident is something that has no connection to the essence of the thing described.

SUBSTANCE: what does not exist in another and not said of another

ACCIDENT: what exists in and is said of another


MOCA will show Untitled (Kit) 1998, which has never been publicly exhibited in London. The work consists of a full sized 5 Piece Drum Kit, completely covered in grey flocking. He will also present a selection of his original working notebooks, which are selected from over a 20 year period.

O’Brien will present a new sculptural installation at Payne Shurvell, and a series of drawings in addition to a multiple work.

MOCA London is open Thursday – Saturday 2 – 6pm
PayneShurvell is open Wednesday – Saturday 11am – 6pm