Bio
Sligo-based multidisciplinary artist, Bernie Colhoun, creates abstract artworks, often geometric and minimalist in nature. Initially inspired by mineralogy and its unseen processes during her time working in the jewellery trade, in the years since she has pursued ideas surrounding geologic time and our human interaction with it. Using reclaimed objects where possible is an important aspect of Colhoun’s practice, elevating waste materials and assigning a sense of permanence to them. Recent research has included the metamorphosis of geologic life cycles and how information is recorded in stone through natural or human manipulation. This has also led to investigations of ancient Irish tombs and petroglyphs.
Colhoun is a fine art graduate of Crawford College of Art & Design and currently undertaking a Diploma in Gemmology with University of Galway. She was a founding member of ‘Sample Studios’ in Cork City and is currently a board member of the North Wests newest Arts Co-Operative ‘TheNCF’.
She has been awarded residencies at Pulled Print Studios, Dovecote Studio, Staring at the Sea - land Art Symposium, an Arts Council Agility Award, Creative Ireland Award and Culture Moves Eupore Award. Colhoun has exhibited nationally, taking part in multiple group and solo exhibitions.
2024
CREATIVE SLIGO AWARD - COASTAL CONNECTIONS
Community Summer Print Project
CULTURE MOVES EUROPE AWARD - Research residency at DSEF German Gem Lab
Idar-Oberstein, Germany
COASTAL CONNECTIONS
Group Exhibition,
Abhainn Studio, Enniscrone, Sligo
EASKEY ARTISTS GROUP SHOW
Group Exhibition,
Abhainn Studio, Enniscrone, Sligo
‘OXO’ GROUP SHOW 2024
Group Exhibition,
Outset Gallery, Galway
2023
‘ESSENCES’ 2-Person Exhibition
Ardgillan Castle Gallery, Balbriggan, Dublin
‘TERRA FIRMA’ Group Exhibition
Oughterard Courthouse Arts Programme, Galway
STARING AT THE SEA - LAND ART RESIDENCY/ SYMPOSIUM
Iveragh Peninsula, Ballinskelligs, Kerry
PULLED PRINT STUDIO RESIDENCY
Pulled Print Studio, Sligo
INFINITE IMPRESSIONS
Solo Exhibition,
Run Red, South Dublin Arts Centre, Tallaght, Dublin
STONE STORIES
Solo Exhibition,
Abhainn Studio, Enniscrone, Sligo
MAYO ARTISTS SHOW
Group Exhibition,
The Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, Mayo
‘OXO’ GROUP SHOW 2023
Group Exhibition,
Outset Gallery, Galway
2022
ARTS COUNCIL AGILITY AWARD 2022
‘ON THE BRIDGE’ EXHIBITION
4 Person Group Exhibition- The Hyde Bridge Gallery & Sligo Artist NetworkThe Hyde Bridge Gallery, Sligo, Co. Sligo
DOVECOTE STUDIO ARTIST RESIDENCY
Sligo County Council Arts Service CPD Programming 2022, The Dovecote Sligo, Gallery & Studio, Co. Sligo
CAIRDE VISUAL 2022 ART EXHIBITION
Group Exhibition- Part of Cairde Visual Arts Festival 2022Hamilton Gallery, Sligo, Co. Sligo
2021
MAYO ARTISTS SHOW 2021
Group ExhibitionBallina Arts Centre/Linenhall Arts Centre, Co. Mayo
2020
‘WESTIVAL’ WESTPORT ARTS FESTIVAL EXHIBITION 2020
Group ExhibitionWestport Town, Co. Mayo / Online Exhibition
2013
‘NEW ENVIRONMENTS’
2-person Group Show with Daniel ChesterBallina Arts Centre, Ballina, Co. Mayo
2012
SOLSTICE AS PART OF THE CORK MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL
- Group Site-Specific ShowThe Elysian, Cork City
‘(RE) STRUCTURE’
- 3-person Group Show with Ann Maire Webb & Garret Beatty8 Gallery, Dawson Street, Dublin City
2011
‘URBAN FABRIC – UF2’
-Part of ‘Paradox Conference’ Fine Art European ForumParticipating European Student Site-Specific ProjectCork City
‘CHANGING FORM’
- 2-person group show with Jessica KnibbWestern People Gallery Space, Tone Street, Ballina Co.Mayo
‘C/: FORWARD’
-Crawford College of Art & Design BA (Hons) Degree Show,Crawford College of Art and Design,Cork City
‘NEW GENERATION’
- Group showPart of ‘BIG small Artists Irish Wave 2011Yi Gallery, Beijing, China
‘RE: COLLECT’
- 4-person group show with Ashliegh Ellis, Cait NiDuhinnin, Svetlana ShuksCIT Cork School of Music,Union Quay, Cork City
2010
‘BOUNCE’
-Crawford College of Art & Design 3rd year Undergrad Show,Former Tax Offices Building Sullivan’s Quay,Cork City