Ciarán Kennedy

Meet Ciarán
Ciarán is an interdisciplinary artist based in Limerick with a deep-rooted passion for creative expression. His love for art was sparked at a young age, influenced by his secondary school art teacher, who inspired him to pursue a career in education. Today, Ciarán draws on his lived experiences—shaped by travel, sport, and religion—to create compelling contemporary artworks. His work is also heavily influenced by his love for nature and the outdoors, with a focus on inspiring rather than conforming.
In his recent piece titled Climbing, Ciarán revisited a formative time in his life when he experienced an untainted and innocent connection with the environment—climbing trees and playing outside. This video work, shot with a handheld camcorder, exudes nostalgia and invites viewers to step back into childhood. The visual effect of fast-forwarding the footage serves as a barrier to accessing that innocence, symbolizing the loss of childhood purity.
Currently, Ciarán is preparing for his degree show, exploring themes of power and societal influence. His concept examines how religion and the GAA function as structures of authority, shaping societal norms and his own identity—particularly given their prominence in his childhood. He is employing experimental footage, CMYK printing, and installation art to bring this thought-provoking concept to life.