This exhibition of colourful oil paintings is inspired by the man-made patterns that shape the Irish landscape, from ancient structures to modern networks. In these abstract works, physical patterns of Ireland’s ancient and modern field systems – ringforts, hillforts, Neolithic monuments, and stone walls – echo the invisible landscape of our digital age. Using vibrant, eye-catching colour, the paintings invite viewers to consider the connections between past, present and future, and to navigate their own journey through time. On view on the corridor leading to the Outpatients Department at UHW, the exhibition runs from 7 July until 29 August 2025.
Based in Kilkenny, Edwina Bracken’s work has been widely exhibited in the UK and Ireland. Her first solo show, Remote Proximities, was listed among the top ten exhibitions in the UK by Artist News and toured to Aberdeen and the RHA Gallery, Dublin. She has participated in residencies in the US, UK, and Australia, with notable exhibitions including the Royal Scottish Academy Summer Shows, Generation Scotland at Paisley Museum, and Irish Art in the UK at Westminster Hall, London. Edwina holds an MLitt in Painting from Glasgow School of Art and a BA Hons from the National College of Art and Design, Dublin. Her work is included in private collections internationally, including the HRH Prince of Wales Collection at Dumfries House Estate.
Edwina says of her artistic practice, “My motivation as an artist is to know paint better and relate to it by making work that speaks to others in ways that are understood on both an aesthetic and intellectual level. I get energy from painting. The physical action of using paint is both a source of investigation and meditation for me. How paint behaves; its elasticity, viscosity, transparency and colour determine how my compositions develop. I enjoy exploring passive and active areas, contrasting textures and colours, which create boundaries and interesting spaces of stillness and intensity.”
The Waterford Healing Arts programmes bring arts experiences – music, visual art, creative writing and storytelling – to patients at UHW and other healthcare settings. These arts and health programmes promote creativity, connection and discovery and seek to reduce isolation, anxiety and stress for patients, family members and staff, and are delivered by professional artists in partnership with healthcare professionals. The Waterford Healing Arts programmes are part of Réalta, the national resource organisation for arts + health in Ireland. Réalta is core funded by the Arts Council and the HSE.
For more information about Edwina Bracken’s work, visit www.edwinabracken.com
Further info: Aisling Kennedy, Réalta, aisling.kennedy@realta.ie / 051-842664
Image: Edwina Bracken on front of her exhibition in-situ at UHW, July 2025.
