Irish Portrait Exhibition at Chead Tine Gallery in Kilkenny

A wonderful contemporary Irish portrait exhibition was held at An Chéad Tine Art Gallery in the heart Kilkenny City recently.

The exhibition brought together the works of Niamh Curry and Sammy Kane, and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Maria Dollard officially launched the show with a thoughtful speech celebrating the remarkable talent of both artists and reminding us what a privilege it is to host work of such calibre here in Kilkenny.

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Curator, Mary Doyle Burke, also shared words on the artists’ practices, highlighting how Sammy Kane’s vibrant youth-focused portraits set up a striking contrast with Niamh Curry’s deeply rooted depictions of the people of Castlecomer - two exhibitions sitting in quiet conversation, forming an unexpected intergenerational story.

A Contemporary Irish Portrait Exhibition Rooted in Place and Identity - This duo exhibition brought together two Irish portrait artists whose practices, while distinct in approach and subject, are united by a shared commitment to honesty, connection, and the human presence.

Through oil, charcoal, and lived experience, Niamh Curry and Sammy Kane present powerful bodies of work that explore identity, place, and individuality within contemporary Irish life.

Castlecomer Faces by Niamh Curry - Castlecomer Faces is an intimate portrait series by North Kilkenny–based Niamh Curry, celebrating the people who give Castlecomer its unmistakable character. Rooted in oil painting and charcoal drawing, this body of work goes beyond surface likeness to capture the spirit, resilience, and quiet humour of those who call the town home.

Blending documentary sensitivity with a narrative-driven approach, Niamh pairs striking portrait imagery with personal stories gathered directly from her sitters. These lived accounts add depth and context to each face, transforming the works into records of shared memory and local heritage. The collection acts as both an artistic tribute and a form of preservation - safeguarding personal histories that might otherwise fade with time.

Rather than focusing on grand gestures, Castlecomer Faces honours the everyday: the familiar figures, the unsung heroes, and the individuals whose presence shapes the identity of this North Kilkenny community. Niamh's work offers viewers a deeply human encounter with place, belonging and the enduring value of listening.

Is This Normal? by Sammy Kane - Is This Normal? marks Sammy Kane’s first solo exhibition, and it's a vibrant and emotionally charged exploration of youth, individuality and connection. Based in Garter Lane Studios, Waterford, Kane is a South Kilkenny-born portrait painter whose practice is grounded in traditional atelier methods and oil painting techniques.

Initially conceived as a study of alternative youth fashion, the project set out to document the striking visual language of contemporary subcultures - torn fabrics, dark palettes, chains, piercings and bold styling. However, as Kane’s process unfolded, the work evolved. Through sustained time spent with his sitters, strong relationships formed, and the focus shifted organically from fashion to personality.

What emerged is a dynamic body of portraits that foregrounds the intensity, warmth, and individuality of Kane’s friends and models. Using a combination of detailed under-drawing, grisaille and layered glazes, he balances technical realism with subtle abstract elements, resulting in radiant and emotionally open paintings.

A Conversation Between Place and Identity

Together, Castlecomer Faces and Is This Normal? form a compelling duo exhibition that speaks to different generations and experiences while sharing a core belief in the importance of human connection.

The duo exhibition ran throughout the festive period until February 11. In House Curator & Gallery Director Mary Doyle Burke hosted a talk with artist Sammy Kane on January 22. It was wonderful event, where the audience got a great insight into the depth of Sammys painting practice. It was followed by a Q & A session. 

For more see www.an-chead-tine.com