Dr. Martina Cleary is a multi-media visual artist, based in north Clare. She gained a BFA from the Crawford College of Art & Design (1993), an MA from the Academy of Fine Arts Helsinki (1995), an MEd from Aalto University Helsinki (2004) and a PhD from the European Centre for Photographic Research at The University of South Wales (2017). Her work explores the relationship between the visual image, memory, depth psychology and identity, drawing upon Jungian theory, feminist philosophy, archaeological and anthropological methods to explore lost, silenced and hidden histories. Over the past two decades she has presented work in over 11 countries, participating in a range of international festivals, solo and group exhibitions including; The Luan Gallery, Athlone (2019), Cité Internationale Des Universitaire de Paris (2016), Flaneur New Urban Narratives, Lisbon (2015), Format, UK (2015), The Athen’s Photo Festival (2015), Just Another Tiblisi Photo Festival (2015). In County Clare she has delivered 7 Artist in Schools Projects (2014-16) and received a Creating Space Award (2015). Memberships have included, Ground Up Artist Collective, G126 and VAI. Her work has been supported by the Arts Councils of Ireland and Finland, The Finnish Cultural Foundation and Clare County Arts Office, among others.
