The Kilkenny Portrait Show 2025

The Kilkenny Portrait Show returns, and I am honored to be involved once again. I am delighted that my painting, In Another World, has been selected by Bernadette Kiely for this year's exhibition. With over 80 portraits on display, it promises to be a remarkable showcase of artistic talent.

Following the success of last year’s exhibition, curated by Blaise Smith RHA, the Kilkenny Portrait Show returns once again. This year, we extend our sincere gratitude to our esteemed guest selector, Bernadette Kiely, for her exceptional work in selecting the outstanding collection of portraits you are about to experience.

Based in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, Bernadette Kiely is a member of Aosdana. Known for her large-scale works related to the environment, she has recently made paintings she refers to as ‘memory portraits’ - people no longer living or people who trigger memories of other people.

She has made a number of portraits, including of the late painter Barrie Cooke and actor Stephen Rea. Her painting ‘An artist becomes their work - portrait of Paul Mosse in his studio’ was shortlisted for the Zurich Portrait Awards 2022. It was exhibited at the National Gallery of Ireland and the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny, Co.Donegal, and is now in the collection of the Butler Gallery, Kilkenny. She is included in the National Self Portrait Collection at the University of Limerick.

We are pleased to announce a €1,000 award for the best portrait, which will be presented to the winning artist at the exhibition’s opening on Saturday, March 29th, at 2 PM.

Curated by Mary Doyle Burke, the exhibition will run from March 29th to April 26th, 2025.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all the participating artists for their contributions. A special thank you also goes to our dedicated volunteers, whose hard work and commitment are invaluable to the successful operation of An Chéad Tine Art Gallery.

An Chéad Tine Art Gallery, 1stFloor, Dunnes Stores, Kieran St. Kilkenny. R95TYP9