Athy woman launches inspiring exhibition
Exhibiting ceramic artist Ciara O'Keefe pictured with Abbeyleix Library and Art Gallery staff members Lori Moriarty and Martina O'Connor on launch night Photos: Stan Henderson
By Stan Henderson A WONDERFUL exhibition of ceramic art by Ciara O’Keefe from Athy, titled ‘Words That Wound – Art That Heals’ was launched in Abbeyleix Library and Art Gallery recently.
The gifted artist completed a post-graduate course in Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship in Trinity College in 2020 and has worked as a ceramic artist for the last 20 years.
She has also taught and guest lectured in several educational settings.
Ciara’s work has been published in many publications. She has exhibited throughout Ireland and Europe including the Saatchi Gallery in London.
She has been commissioned to create works for the Department of Foreign Affairs, President Mary McAleese, Chilean Ambassador to Ireland and the College of Surgeons, to name a few.
At the well-attended launch, Ciara commented that her wall-based art serves as a visceral response to the persuasive and destructive force of bullying in all of its forms.
She said: “Through this exhibition, I aim to confront the silent yet devastating power of words – those seemingly innocuous carriers of immense pain and cruelty.
“Bullies can inflict severe emotional wounds from behind the anonymity of a keyboard causing harm that can be as lethal as any physical attack.
“Each piece is a testament to the enduring human spirit and the journey from suffering to self-realisation. The intricate designs and vibrant colours illustrate the beauty, and the strength found in survival and self-acceptance.
“Each piece reflects the journey from suffering to self-affirmation, transforming the negative energy of hurtful words into something unexpectedly beautiful and that the delicate yet resilient nature of ceramics mirrors the fragile yet enduring spirit of those who survive bullying.
“Ultimately, my work is about transformation and empowerment and recognising the inherent beauty within us despite the soul-destroying experiences we may face.
“By creating something beautiful out of something painful, I aim to inspire others to see their own resilience and to advocate for a world where words are used to uplift rather than to harm.” Library staff members, Lori Moriarty and Martina O’Connor said that the library is excited to host an award-winning ceramicist for the month of September and that Ciara’s works are high-end, unique and wonderfully detailed. The exhibition is on display until the end of September.
Ciara O’Keefe Ceramics can be found on Google. For more information email ciaraokeefeceramics@gmail.com or search for her social media pages.
Abbeyleix Library can be contacted on 057 8730020.
