'Steelmaking is one of the most carbon emission intensive industries in the world’. (Carbon Market Watch, Briefing March 2022, Decarbonising steel p.2)

The painting ‘Electric Ark’ is one in a series focusing on climate change and efforts to maintain steel production while mitigating CO2 emissions; a matter that is particularly relevant in the UK today.

“With this painting and it's title I aim to create a feeling of vastness, drama, movement and urgency that attracts the viewer encouraging further thought.” 

In recent work the artist brings together images related to steel production and communities, with an emphasis on processes, waste, transition and initiatives to reduce its global carbon footprint.

It is improbable that in the near future applications that use steel will vanish, or will be superseded entirely by alternative materials. Therefore, to address the climate emergency, substantive measures are needed; for example, the transfer to lower carbon release Electric Arc Furnaces (utilising scrap metal); and ensuring Blast Furnaces ( which are still needed to produce virgin steel making) are sited locally, minimising carbon emissions from transportation. 

Roger Joseph McNulty.

Roger spent his early years in the industrial heartland of Lanarkshire. His artwork inevitably reflects conflicts between people’s needs, communities and the environment.  Leaving school at sixteen he studied art in the evenings in Glasgow and drew weekly illustrations for a local paper, whilst completing a craft engineering apprenticeship.

After this apprenticeship he studied Industrial Relations at Leeds Met. Subsequently obtaining an MA in Law and Employment at Leicester University. He negotiated agreements with unions in steelmaking and engineering sectors being awarded Chartered Fellowship of the Institute of Personnel and Development. Working across, Europe and the Middle East he was involved in the negotiation and responsible for the implementation of the people aspects of sensitive commercial contracts. All of which underpinned the foundation for his art practice. 

Roger has a BA in Fine Art from Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. He has a studio in Essex, has exhibited in Europe and Asia and recently he has been engaged with the progress of scientists working on climate emergency issues. 

Recent solo exhibitions, awards and selected shows include

‘Beyond the Furnace’, Lilly Gallery, Milngavie, Glasgow.

‘The Craig’, Bellshill Cultural Centre, North Lanarkshire.

‘Slag Steel and CO2’, Willesden Gallery, Brent, North London. 

He was a winner of the East West Art Association Annual award, was selected to exhibit with the New Light Art Award finalists and The Scottish Prize for Fine Art.

www.rogermcnulty.com