Conor Burke

My work is predominantly focused on exploring systemic themes, be they social, political, lingual, material or meta-physical, within which I seek to highlight social relations and the dialectical interactions that are the source of change within the world. A key theme that underpins much of my work is the concept of power and class and how that finds expression in the structures that we create as a society and how it is reflected in the built environment around us. l often make drawings and paintings of specific buildings with a certain social significance and then layer them with multiple perspectives, abstracting the image to an extent in order to give expression to a deeper social meaning such as class consciousness or our relation to nature or the likes. These more philosophical concerns act mainly as a point of embarkation but which also fuel the evolution of my work throughout the creative process.

My work is often based on certain vexations towards the systemic forces that dominate contemporary society, but rather than concentrating on the negative associations of this, I prefer to look at the positive potentiality for progressive change. My work up to this point has consciously excluded figurative representations of the human form, as I’m more concerned with expressing the structural nature of systemic oppression that exist, rather than the subjective or individualistic experiences that each of us go through. My work possesses a strong Marxian influence which often underpins the social expression that I am aiming to incorporate into the work. These concerns are more about my own subjective input, they act as the driving force that under pins my creative process. My work tends to look at the common threads that exist between our manufactured environment and that of the natural world and the symbiotic structures that exist within this relationship.

Aesthetic concerns play a significant role in how the work finds expression, these deeper social and philosophical concerns at a certain point give way to the simplicity of creating a visually pleasing image or structure. Aesthetics I feel It are important with regard to our collective need for order and symmetry in relation to making a connection with the viewer. Which in essence is actually a material reflection of these deeper systemic themes that I an attempting to address. My work often tends to start off with a simple image, design or text that appeals to me, and through a process of drawing or writing it evolves and incorporates various different elements throughout, I tend not to start off with a comprehensive plan but rather a loose outline and I just let the project evolve as I go, this method allows the work to take on a life of its own which can lead to sometimes unexpected and interesting results.

Luke Reidy

Architectural structures and the impact they have on their surroundings are often perceived as works of art. I have always had a fascination with form and balance in architecture and in particular I love the simplicity I can evoke with this. Through screen-printing I rebuild structures using simple shapes, vibrant colours and overlapping transparent layers. My architectural structures are broken down into the simplest forms folding and unfolding, using depths and planes which orientate in space as the flat image becomes almost three dimensional. The introduction of organic curved shapes brings a new dimension which contrasts with my sharp architectural forms and the inspiration for these shapes was drawn from the coast where I grew up in Co.Clare.

My use of colour highlights the depth of these unique forms and gives them visual energy. My vision is to create work that is clean, crisp and confident, structures with strong visual impact and complement modern-day
interiors.

Jeanne Sheridan

I am originally from Galway and became heavily influenced by the landscapes and colours around me. My family and I moved to NEw Zealand 4 years ago and since my arrival I have loved indulging my curiosity in the natural landscape. New Zealand has a lot in common with Ireland with its ruggedness and vibrancy. I completed my diploma in ceramics through Otago polytechnic in Auckland studio potters and have been teaching local pottery classes for the past 2 years in Auckland. On my return to the emerald isles, The continued focus of my works will be an exploration of the world around us and the textural elements found in the natural environment.

David Whelan

Whelan’s work is uniquely his own, mixing humour and surrealism to make fun, colourful, funny artwork. Whelan originally studied Printmaking but has now branched out into a variety of different mediums, including creating comics, 3D artwork and digital art. Whelan uses a mixture of dreams, his own background and storytelling to influence and create his unique pieces of art.

Conor Burke

My artistic practice deals with the dialectical processes inherent in the realm of the built environment. Through my work, I seek to unravel the complex interplay between change and power relations that shape our built environment. The built environment serves as a reflection of our society’s values, aspirations, and power structures. It is a physical manifestation of the dialectical relationship between those who hold power and those who are subject to it. My artistic exploration delves into the various layers of this relationship, highlighting the subtle negotiations, conflicts, and compromises that occur during processes of change. In my practice, I employ a variety of mediums, including sculpture, installation, drawing and mixed media, to capture and convey the complexities of this process. Through the juxtaposition of materials, forms, and narratives, I seek to create thought-provoking visual experiences that invite viewers to reflect upon the power dynamics at play within the built environment. Ultimately, my artistic practice seeks to stimulate contemplations about the dialectical processes of change and power relations in the built environment. By capturing the nuances and complexities of these dynamics through artistic expression, I hope to encourage viewers to question, challenge, and envision alternative futures that challenge the status quo.

Austin Ivers

Austin Ivers is a Galway based artist and educator, lecturing in Contemporary Art at GMIT. Having initially studied printmaking in LSAD and CCAD, his practice has been almost exclusively digital (durational and still) objects for over 20 years. Austin has had one-person shows in the Galway Arts Centre, 126 and the Dock, Carrick-on Shannon and exhibited in group shows including the RHA Annual & Tulca.

Grace Sexton

Grace is an independent filmmaker and film producer from Dublin. She studied film studies n Sweden and subsequently obtained a degree in Film and TV Production. She is interested in ecological filmmaking and documentary.

Ruth O’Mahony-Brady

Ruth is a musician, producer and composer. She has recorded and toured with a number of artists around the
world as a pianist, keyboardist and vocalist. Performing under the moniker ROMY, her solo project explores music
that seeks to combine her beginnings as a classical pianist with her love of vintage synths, organs and electronics.

Maura Culbert

Hi, I did my degree in fine art many years ago. I paint using acrylic on board. The two subjects I like to paint are interior space and seascapes. Only recently l brought out a series of prints which are really great quality.

Louise Newman

“After many years of being self taught I began my formal studies in the late 80’s at San Jose State University.  After returning to Ireland in 1992 I was accepted on to the Foundation Course at  I.A.D.T.  I went on to receive a National Diploma and Degree in Fine Art.   I have exhibited nationwide. In 2012 I was invited to exhibit in a group show for The Princes Trust at Somerset House U.K      My work can be found in many Private and Public collections including, Bank of Ireland, The O.P.W,  Department of Defence, The Flynn Hotel Group, The Haddington Hotel Dublin, The Blackrock Clinic, Irish Credit Union, The European Patent Office Munich, Touchstone Healthcare and in the Private Collections of many.  My present work came about through residencies at The Cill Rialaig Project in Co Kerry, Clare Island and  time spent in Connemara and West Clare. My Costal scenes are of The Wild Atlantic Way. This area is written into my life force and personal history. It has given and it has taken.   I try to maintain an assured use of texture and mark making and to play with transparency and colour of light. It is my intention to be inspired and informed by my observations and feelings about that which surrounds me, both visible and metaphysically. I strive for my work to maintain a fresh and honest expression, changing and developing in new ways whilst encouraging a meaningful dialogue with the viewer.”

Louise Newman

I began my formal studies at I.A.D.T. where I received a National Diploma and Degree in Fine Art. In 2012  I was invited to exhibit in a group show for The Princes Trust at Somerset House U.K. My work is in Public collections including, Bank of Ireland, The O.P.W,  Department of Defence, Irish Credit Union amongst others. It is on permanent display in the Haddington Hotel Dublin and The Flynn Hotel Group Kilkenny. My present work came about through residencies in Clare Island Studio, The Cill Rialaig Project in Co Kerry, time spent in Connemara and Co Clare. My Coastal scenes are of The Wild Atlantic Way, an area which is of great interest and significance to me.

Sean Clarke

Sean Clarke is a Dublin based director and cinematographer. He works mainly in documentary and film.

Attention Attire

Attention Attire creates limited edition, handmade outerwear and accessories from upcycled camping gear left behind at Ireland’s music festivals. Each piece is crafted with recycled materials that would otherwise end up in landfill. This isn’t fast fashion, this is forward thinking fashion.

Sarah Edmondson

Sarah is a research-based, multidisciplinary artist. She is interested in the evolution of knowledge and the impact photography and cinema have on our understanding of the universe.

Conor Nolan

Conor Nolan is an illustrator currently based in Dublin. You can spot Conor’s work through its bold shapes and bright, limited colour palettes inspired by the aesthetics of different analog making techniques such as screen printing and collage. Conor’s work consists of a graphic depiction of a variety of characters and motifs, with interesting expressions, inky lines, and a distinct textured appearance.

Sarah Edmondson

Sarah Edmondson is a visual artist, art educator, and studio member at MART, Dublin. She is interested in the evolution of knowledge and the role iconic images from the history of art and the media have on our understanding of interpersonal relationships and the natural world; using a variety of mediums to playfully challenge anthropocentric views. To date, she has successfully created staged photographs in response to archival ephemera, pseudoscientific zines, moving images and video installations. The writings of Donna Haraway, Sophia Al-Maria and Hito Steyerl inform her practice. Sarah is also part of the collective MIDDEN alongside Mary Martin and Niamh McGuinne. Recent exhibitions included; ‘MIDDEN’, Luan Gallery, Athlone; ‘Through Light and Shade’, Alalimón Galeria, Barcelona; and ‘Gormworm’, TaKt, Berlin. In June 2023, Sarah completed a residency at IMMA with the Museum of Everyone’s Communal project and is a MOE Associate Artist.

SC Walsh

S.C.Walsh is an emerging artist best known for industrial dockland scenes, strong in composition, and contradictive in use of material, redefining the use of soft watercolour to depict hard industrial subject matter.

SC Walsh is interested in the ordinary, crafting semi abstract compositions recurring themes depicted in the artist’s work are docks, boats, city streets, rooftops, heavy machinary.

Walsh studied Painting in Galway with the artists Loughlan Hoare, Geraldine Quinn and Hugh Mc Cormack, and Printmaking with Siobhan Piercy and Declan Holloway. The artists work is influenced by the Technical processes employed in the Fine Art Lithography process. The strong compositions in the Artists pieces are reminiscent of Snapshot Photography.

Walsh’s close focus on subjects result in a tension between the representational and abstract.

Eoin Heaney

Eoin is an award winning filmmaker. He writes and directs projects together with writer / producer Nora Windeck. They are Highly Stimulating Productions.

Bob Campbell

“to find for each person those umbilical cords that put us in communication with other suns“

Roberto Matta

Katarzyna Gajewska

Creating canvases laden with emotion and personal feelings is my necessity, obsession and addiction, never insatiable appetite. Believing in instinct over reason, I am starting over with every painting. The relation between value of colour and texture is my formula for expressing my vision. The effect of the feeling’s complexity is doubled by the works chaotic texture. Trying to contour human silhouette in bold structure on the surface, I am exploring the physical expression of the theme. The paintings give direct attention to their own physicality and because of that, the human form emanates with psychological structure, driving to insubstantial. Colour and texture are symbols. Oppressive through reconstruction becomes useful. Such is the mourning in Ginsberg’s Kaddish. Fact and fiction becomes blurred; Ginsberg is restoring memory of his mother through exposure, exasperation, desire to know. He is embracing her in the most direct way. I am shaping my work by fidgeting with direct and metaphorical. Draping dissonance between new and recycled; painting over new surfaces subsequently as in endless circle of life.

Derval Tubridy

My practice is process-based abstract painting that responds to liminal environments and contested epistemologies. Recent projects explore painting as a forensic practice (Solo Exhibition Adjacency, No Format Gallery 2017), and extreme geological environments (Lithosphere, current project). I publish critical writing (Samuel Beckett and the Language of Subjectivity CUP 2018), and participate in collaborative projects (Art Writing at the Royal Court Theatre 2014; The Joseph Boshier Collective, Standpoint Gallery Hoxton 2013; Land | Labour | Capital, Limerick City Gallery of Art, 2013), and am currently investigating neurodiversity in performance and practice through collaborations with Touretteshero and DYSPLA. I am a Senior Lecturer at Goldsmiths, University of London.

Gavan Duffy

I am a trained artist and designer living in Dublin. My work is primarily the result of a need to paint. Though acrylic is my favourite medium, I also work with oils, gouache, metallic leaf, ink and charcoal. My ultimate goal is to seek feeling, and be unafraid to share what I find. In recent years my work has been mainly commissioned by private clients.

Georgina Diaz

Specialized in Historical Costumes for the Television and Film Industry, Georgina Diaz is a Fashion & Textile Designer from the NCAD in Dublin. Passionately interested in all History related subjects and particularly in the fashionable garments as material culture of any given period of time.

Billy Dante

Billy Dante’s work explores the mirrored effect of art as life and life as art, fascinated by the spectacle and theatricality of every aspect of our existence. The work creates a primitive/ritualistic environment in the modern world, highlighting and observing aspects of everyday life to the extent that they become bigger then life. Through the blending of different points of reference, Dante’s practice develops a unique language of expression, in this the viewer feels lost and found all at the same time. The viewer picks up on moments of recognition, but these moments are fleeting and quickly dissolve into the hum of experience. As one grapples for meaning, they are placed outside of their comfort zone and therefore become open to broadened thoughts. The work speaks for the importance of forgotten languages as forms of expression, sounds that have lost their meaning but carry power like a mantra or prayer. The meaninglessness reflects the uselessness of art, taking reference from Oscar Wilde’s, A Picture of Dorian Gray, (‘the only excuse for making a useless thing is that one admires it intensely’). The work has an intensity that speaks for the empowerment of art, the ability to take simplicity (objects such as the telephone directory) and making them the source of profound feeling. Inspired by the great Irish literary figures Wilde, James Joyce and Samuel Beckett, this work intends to stand for art’s ability not to reflect or define the human condition, but once this work is experienced the viewer knows less about life and more about existence.

Angelica Santander

I am a Clown originally from Chile and living in Ireland since 2002. I studied Acting in Chile and I continue with my development as an artist in Ireland completing a Technical theatre course 2005 and a master’s degree in Theatre studies in 2009. The same year I started working as a clown and in 2013 I started my training in the Pochinko Method, “clown through mask”, with Sue Morrison. This training revolutionised my understanding of the art of clowning and brought my practice towards a higher artistic level, its main principle is:

If we ever face all directions of ourselves at once we could only laugh at the beauty of our own ridiculousness.

Following this principle, I am interested in the creation of original work that reveals the essence of our humanity in a genuine and abandoned way, creations that speak and deal with themes that are relevant to our times. I want to connect with an audience and bring my personal experience in the performance of universal themes.
Furthermore, utilising theatrical and clown techniques I want to investigate and develop the interconnection between theatre, clown and Circus arts. I believe that Circus arts are the forefront of contemporaneous performance arts and that the general public is thirsty for more.

My work is based on the ethos of hard work, commitment, respect, consistency, discipline, free expression and fun.

Irene Uhlemann

Primarily a painter Uhlemann also makes artists books. She frequently uses words as a springboard for ideas; the lyricism of poetry and the fluidity of paint and mark-marking complement each other.

The Ljilja

The Ljilja is a visual artist born in Croatia. She made her first debut in 2006 and since then her art has been shown in group and solo shows. Her work range from installations and paintings to photography and performances.

The Ljilja is an ongoing photography / ritual project . “As an artist my main aim is making the subconscious conscious, and bringing it to the light. We live in an era where most of us are showing the best part of ourselves, the most beautiful parts (a wonderful Kingdom of Selfies), and I am showing those, hidden, dark, disturbing parts. By covering my face and hiding my identity, I become no one; and by becoming no one, I have become everyone. By disfiguring my face, covering my eyes I am allowing my Primordial Self to step out from the darkness. I am reconnecting all over again with my true Self.” – says the Ljilja.

In her work Ljilja is in a constant search for selfless, content and Ego free body. Body that becomes. Bursting body. A body in which human soul live in a complete freedom stripped from all false teachings. A body which is “breaking down areas hardened by perspective of the Ego”. Primal body. Her work can be described as a transformation through creativity and connecting all over with her primal “I”.

Capulet & Montague

Capulet & Montague has gained a strong following among women who appreciate her acute boldness and purity of design; her work has gone on to feature in numerous magazines, editorial shoots and features partnered with pieces ranging from haute couture to established Irish designers.

Winner of the 2015 IFIA award for Irish Jewellery designer of the year.
Winner of the 2015 IFIA award in all categories for Innovation.
Winner of 2019 Irish made jewellery designer of the year.

Aoife Carrigy

Aoife is a food, drinks and travel writer and editor, wine columnist, co-author of cookbooks, curator and host of live drinks events, and post-grad researcher of the culture of Irish pubs.

Jordan Holms 

MART Member Spotlight : Jordan Holms

Jordan Holms is a multidisciplinary artist working in painting, textiles, and sculpture. With a keen sense for architecture and design, her practice considers how aesthetic ‘tastes’ are materialized, organized, and made to mean. Mining source materials from the built environment (both physical and online), Holms’s references range across commodity culture; from folk art, to flea markets, reality television, boutique ‘concept’ stores, and so-called aspirational design accounts on social media. Filtered through the lens of abstraction, her work interprets the things we find in our homes and in the built environment that signal something about how taste produces meaning. Holms constructs irreverent and errant spaces that index their own meanings in an attempt to make sense of what ‘having taste’ might look like in a moment wherein cultural trends are dictated by algorithms as well as elites.

Conor Akin

Conor Akin is a visual artist based in Dublin, Ireland. Conor enjoys working with a variety of mediums, as well as producing artwork of different sizes: he paints large scale murals on walls; creates digital illustrations; produces hand-painted signs; and creates refined paintings on canvas. Graffiti, street art, the urban environment, and Hip-Hop culture are recurrent themes throughout his work. More recently, Conor has been producing designs that seek to also incorporate references to Irish mythology and traditional Celtic art. Conor has lived in Rio de Janeiro, San Francisco, Annecy, Dublin, Kilkenny, London, and Brighton.

The Shift

The Shift is a podcast network that only creates podcasts that we think are that wee bit special. Home to Be Grand, I Don’t Know Her, Promenade and Sound in Space. If you have an idea for a show we would like to have a chat with you over a cup of tea.

Matthew Nevin

Matthew Nevin is a Cultural Producer with over 20 years of experience working in film, television and the arts throughout the US, Ireland, UK and Europe.  He is Co-Director of The MART Gallery & Studios Dublin where he oversees the running of over 100 artist studios and a Contemporary Art Gallery, and serves as Executive Director of CIACLA – The Contemporary Irish Art Center Los Angeles – a non profit which produces contemporary Irish cultural events in California. 

Matthew has recently Produced and Directed the award winning feature length documentary What is Going to Happen Next?, which reaches into the minds of one person from every country in the world; winning several awards and screening at 21 international film festivals. Recently produced projects include the short films ‘Maggie’ and ‘180 Degrees’ both filmed during the covid-19 pandemic. As an Art Director & Designer for film and tv he has worked on hit shows, such as Luther, Eastenders, The Bill, The Amazing Race, working with CBS, BBC, ITV, Element Pictures, RTE, TG4 and MTV.

Matthew has produced over 60 exhibitions internationally, curating several large scale creative projects in Ireland, UK, Europe, USA and Japan; for MART, CIACLA, PQ, IrelandWeek, EUCIA and Imagine Ireland. Through his own artwork he has exhibited internationally and created artwork for leading brands such as Ralph Lauren.

Matthew is a passionate advocate for the arts, he looks to create conversation and dialogue about key world issues, directly connecting the audience with a relatable narrative. He has a particular interest in the creation of inclusive projects that actively break down social and economic barriers.

Matthew holds a degree in Film & TV & Scenography from the University of Wales Aberystwyth and a Masters in Art in the Contemporary World from National College of Art & Design Dublin. He has secured funding from Culture Ireland, Arts Council of Ireland, Kildare, Galway & Dublin City Councils, Visual Artists Ireland, IFA Germany, Alliance Francaise, David Manley Awards, JEC Fund, Dept of Foreign Affairs Ireland, Creative Ireland and received a commission from Ralph Lauren.

www.matthewnevin.com – www.mart.ie – www.ciacla.com  – www.whatisgoingtohappennext.com 

Jessica Checkley

I completed my studies in 3D design, model making and digital arts in 2019 and during my time there I learned to work with a wide variety of materials and tools. This combined with the skills and knowledge I’ve gained as a wax work technician and mold maker in bronze art has influenced the work I create today. My sculpture is intricate and detailed and I like to explore my practice by producing work in a variety of materials through experimentation. The context of my work is inspired by a lot of film, mythology and science fiction. I would describe my style as a mix of the surreal and the macabre that I hope both intrigues and fascinates people.

Ciara Scanlan

Ciara Scanlan is an Artist and Curator based in Dublin. She holds a Masters in Art in the Digital World from NCAD Dublin and graduated from Crawford College of art in 2005 with a First class BA in Fine Art. In her Art practice she is interested in the ever-present force of the media and its ability to both unify and segregate society. Ciara works primarily through the medium of Video, performance, web based interventions. She is a founding Director of MART since 2007; a multidisciplinary arts organisation that is committed to the development and promotion of Contemporary Visual Arts.

Catherine Mwase

Catherine Mwase is an artist and lawyer living in Ireland. During her formative years, Catherine spent hours watching painters, sculptors, and craftsmen. This inspired Catherine to develop her creativity alongside her career as a lawyer. Catherine’s primary medium is acrylic paints on canvas but she has explored other mediums including watercolours, spray paints, inks and fabrics. Catherine’s previous exhibitions include: (1) Solo exhibitions: Awoken (2018), Just Love (2015), Art & Jazz (2014); and (2) Group exhibitions: Off The Wall (2019), A Touch Of Art (2013), Untold Gold (2012).