Kilkenny artist showcasing designs for Climate Action

Thomastown based artist Bernadette Kiely is currently showing her work Ashes + Rain in the Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny, Co Donegal.

The Earth is experiencing its warmest and wettest years on record, causing unpredictable and severe weather events that defy long-range forecasting.

Artist Bernadette Kiely, deeply impacted by childhood flooding along the River Suir and adult experiences on the River Nore, has developed a profound awareness of environmental and ecological changes.

For over 20 years, she has explored how weather affects land and human lives in her work. Kiely's large-scale paintings, photography, and text highlight overlooked human activities between disruptive weather events.

Drawing from her photographic archive and research, she examines themes of memory, community, and time, while also envisioning new lands and futures in works that convey fragility, resilience, and hope. This exhibition runs until March 22.

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Bernadette is participating in 'The art of Sustenance, Sisterhood and Solidarity', which is an inspiring International Women's Day event exploring the role of artists in creative climate action and protecting mother eARTh with artist, writer and climate activist Lisa Fingleton.

This event is taking place in Siamsa Tíre Art Centre in Tralee on Saturday 8th March from 10am - 1pm. Booking is through www.siamsatire.com.

Women artists are at the forefront of creative climate action in Ireland. From the north to the south, they are exhibiting their work in large scale exhibitions, currently on show throughout the country.

Bernadette's work was recently featured on the mock Leaving Certificate Art and Design paper in the Art and the Environment section.