Emmet Kierans graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 2007 with a Master of Fine Art Degree. In 2003 he was awarded a First Class Honours Degree in Fine Art Painting from Limerick School of Art and Design.
His paintings investigate psychological space and the unconscious through the use of archetypal characters derived from old time street performance and the dynamics and performative aspects of carnival. In order to understand the characters on a personal level, Kierans takes on their persona by wearing their costumes and assuming their postures in relevant and atmospheric environments. By literally becoming the characters he paints, he begins to embody their psychological space. These experiments have resulted in the development of a subconscious relationship to the archetypes that he is drawn to and through this, a far more insightful awareness of their characteristics.
Selected exhibitions include: ‘Disconnected’, Belltable Arts Centre, Limerick (2008); 'Further More', Arts News Projects, Berlin and Glasgow (2007); 'Person, Place or Thing', Riverside Studios, London (2007); RSA Open, Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh (2007); 'Platform 059', Eigse, Carlow (2006); De Kunstvlaii 6, Westergasfabriek, Amsterdam (2006); Interim Show, Macintosh Building, Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow (2006); Art Futures Scotland, Millenium Hotel, Glasgow (2006) and RSA Open, Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh (2006).
Kierans received the Hope Scott Trust Scholarship in 2006. Other awards include: Millers Art Supplies Interim Award (2006); 2003 Revenue Commissioners outstanding studentship award (2003) and The Hunt Museum special commendation (2001).
"My work is concerned with ideas of the self in relation to the collective unconscious. It has been centred around archetypal characters that exist in the collective psyche. It was important for me to achieve an understanding of these characters on an intimate level and this has lead me to assume the role of the characters I paint. These experiments resulted in the development of a subconscious relationship to the archetypes that I am drawn to and through this, a far more insightful awareness of their characteristics.
This experience is translated through a series of watercolour paintings. The attempt at a likeness is abandoned in favour of the mood or essence of the character. The pieces are painted quite loosely and intuitively to allow my own subconscious to influence the work."
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© canvas 2008