Barra Artist

Ciarán’s paintings and drawings are visceral in intent. Mostly using the figure as an initial point of departure they derive from a fascination with how the
human form can be dismantled, exposing greater visual possibilities and meanings.

Time and Repetition are important elements in Ciarán’s working processes. Work is developed in series over protracted periods of time usually several years using repeated processes, unconventional materials and unusual techniques. Ciarán’s work is concerned with the means by which the work comes into being and reluctant towards a final resolution.


Dripping paint, dynamic lines, Staining and Scraping back, working on the horizontal and the vertical planes of both wall and floor, erasing to leave only a residue of previous marks and so on, paintings are built up Layer upon Layer. The process negotiates a fine line between formation and destruction.


Born in Dublin. Ciarán studied Fine Art at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin (1996). Subsequently, he received a Masters in Multimedia Technology at University College Cork (2000). Ciarán now lives in Cork where he has a studio with Backwater Artists Group since 2003, and where he currently continues to work. Ciarán has serve...

Selected Exhibitions: BAG 2014 , CIT Wandesford Quay Gallery, Cork, 2014; Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not), CIT Wandesford Quay Gallery, Cork, 2012; BACKWATER TWENTY – 10, Crawford Art Gallery, curated by Stephen Brandes and Vera Ryan, 2010; Group Exhibition, Alan Bordman, Ciarán Cronin, Tonia Keogh, Fenton Gallery, Cork, 2007; C2 Contemporary Art From Cork, Crawford Art Gallery, 2005; Drawing and Sculpture, Ashford Gallery, R.H.A., Ely Place, Dublin, 2004; Group Show, Fenton Gallery, Wandesford Quay, Cork, 2004; Art Trail 02, Gallery 44 McCurtain Street, Cork, 2004; Iontas, Sligo Art Gallery, Ormeau Baths Gallery, Crawford Gallery, 2001; Iontas, Sligo Art Gallery, Ormeau Baths Gallery, Crawford Art Gallery, 2000 (Iontas Drawing Award, 2000)