Kildare artist Kym Tracey launches exhibition

An emerging new Kildare artist has opened her exhibition at the  Riverbank Arts Centre, in partnership with Kildare County Council Arts Service.

Emerging Visual Artist Bursary Award 2023 recipient Kym Tracey launched What’s The Occasion? - an engaging solo exhibition which showcases a collection of original paintings, drawings and sculptures, inspired by celebrations, occasions and key moments in time – some of which hold a personal narrative to the artist.

The Emerging Visual Artists Bursary is a collaboration between Kildare County Council Arts Service and Riverbank Arts Centre which enables the first major solo exhibition by an emerging artist.

Previous recipients include Brenda Kearney, Shane Hynan, Marta Golubowska, Noel Hensey, Caoimhe McGuckin, Michelle McBride and Isobel Egan.

“Each year, we look forward to working with the recipient of this award to help realise their vision for their solo exhibition,”comments Caroline Williams, Director of Riverbank Arts Centre.

“It is a highlight in our visual arts calendar and a great opportunity to support the work of an emerging artist. What’s the Occasion? is full of powerful references and resonances. Kym Tracey’s highly original artwork will connect strongly with everyone who encounters it”

Eláine Donnelly, Acting Arts Officer, Kildare County Council said: “Kym’s exhibition presents an opportunity for her as the artist and us as the audience to explore universal themes and everyday occasions through painting, drawing and sculpture. We look forward to her first solo exhibition and to what lies ahead for this exciting emerging artist.”

Kym said: “Receiving the Emerging Visual Artist Bursary Award has been such a great opportunity for my practice! This award has given me the means to create a new body of work without restrictions. Working with the staff at Riverbank Arts Centre has been a brilliant learning experience for me as an emerging artist, seeing the inner workings of a gallery and being involved in the process each step of the way.”

Kym’s artworks are contemporary and nostalgic all at once. Initially taking shape through collage, Kym uses photo-transfer techniques to create unique and personable compositions. Drawing from these collages, she then creates original works in her unique painterly style.

Visitors to the exhibition can expect a feast of colour, and a fresh take on memory through real and imagined moments in time.

The official opening took place yesterday, Friday 6 September at 7pm.

Kym will host a workshop in conjunction with her exhibition. Mixed Media Workshop with Kym Tracey takes place on Friday 25 October at 7pm, for more information and to book visit riverbank.ie

What’s the Occasion will run in the McKenna Gallery at Riverbank Arts Centre until Saturday 26 October, Monday-Friday 9:30am-5pm and Saturdays 10am-4pm. Admission is free. Guided tours are available free of charge for school groups. Please contact [email protected] for more information.