About

Riona Kearns is a Northern Irish born painter and visual artist. She is a recent graduate of Ulster University having obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art. Kearns is an artist whose work is influenced by social exclusion, particularly looking at people on the fringes of society. The theme of abandonment is depicted also in her photography.

Kearns’ work principally takes the form of portraiture and installation, with a focus on the individual’s emotions and presence. Conceptually she plays on the politics of social exclusion and is driven by the belief that everybody deserves a portrait.

Kearns’ social consciousness extends to voluntary activities. Her ability to explore craft and recognition of the therapeutic health benefits of art have led to her facilitating workshops with disability youth groups for her local council and ‘Mindfulness Art’ for adults diagnosed with cancer for the Macmillan cancer charity.

Kearns is influenced by historic and contemporary artists such as; Frida Kahlo, Edward Hopper, Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu, Alan Coulson and Kyle Barnes.

In 2018, Kearns won the inaugural ROGHA artwork competition and had her work exhibited as part of the ‘Baile’ exhibition.