Bernie Leahy

Bernie Leahy’s drawings, paintings and sculpture are developed in different materials and techniques. At the centre of her work is the human connection, frequently using the human form, through themes of protection. Materials include graphite and acrylic on linen and paper, also bronze, gold and rough diamonds. Her interests lie in exploration of textural mark-making, and economy of line. The element of light, and its interplay on the textured surface plays an important role in making these marks.
“….in the art of Bernie Leahy, her work plays many emotional chords, there is a common thread of kindness and humanity behind all the pieces…”
Irish Arts Review Magazine
“Leahy is an artist who is both prolific and brave in her use of materials. She is internationally established as an artist creating both two and three dimensional visceral artworks.”
Dr Audrey Whitty, National Museum of Ireland.

Leahy is currently studying for an MA in Art, Research & Collaboration at IADT, Dublin, with a view to a future PhD in this area.
She holds a Post Graduate H Dip in Art and Design Education from NCAD, Dublin and her primary degree is in Design, at National College of Art and Design www.ncad.ie and Cert in Visual Communication, Institute of Art and Design, Dun Laoghaire www.iadt.ie

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
Irish Arts Center, New York, Mid Career Solo Exhibition Sept – Dec 2018 'Why Are We'
Armagh Market Arts Centre, 2017, Mid Career Solo Exhibition, 'Elements'
Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Video Installation & Sound, intrinsic with stitch.
Solomon Gallery, Dublin, July & Dec exhibitions 2015, Stitched Drawings and Paintings.
RHA, Dublin 2014, Stitched Drawing and Sculpture.
National Craft Gallery, frequently from 2005 – 2013.
Farmleigh, Phoenix Park., 2012.
National Craft Gallery, 2010, Major two person show with Alice Kettle, UK.
New York, SOFA, 2009 with Snyderman Works Gallery.
Chicago, SOFA, 2008.
Represented Ireland: International Fiberart Biennale, Philadelphia, 2008/9.
Represented Ireland: International Fiberart Biennale, Venezuela, 2004.
London, Solo Show ‘Line’ 2004.
Group Shows Liverpool 2009, Rome 2005, China 2006.

SELECTED PUBLIC COMMISSIONS & PURCHASES
MASON, HAYES & CURRAN, 2012. Purchase of three large drawings. www.mhc.ie
Northern Ireland Health Service Executive:
A series of six very large embroidered drawings for Muckamore Abbey Hospital.
‘Conversations’, 2005. Each 2m x 1m
Waterford General Hospital:
An installation of 6 large panels for Waterford Healing...