Cleary is a socio-political artist whose work explores womanhood and confronts a misogynistic culture within society. She is interested in showing women as strong autonomous individuals that steer through impossible situations and through her work raise awareness for domestic violence and ultimately, advocate for a safe living environment. Through diverse visual arrangements, her labour-intensive installations challenge patriarchal structures and compel audiences to reflect on the power dynamics that exist in contemporary society.
Cleary graduated with a First-Class Honours MA in 2016 from University of Limerick and received a First-Class Honours BA in Fine Art from Limerick School of Art & Design in 2014.
She was a recipient of the Highly Commended Award in the 2014 programme of the Undergraduate Awards in both the Visual Arts & the Media & Arts Categories. She has had her work published in numerous art magazines and has been featured in the Visual Arts Newsletter several times. Cleary has been recognised with multiple awards including the Agility award from the Arts Council Ireland in 2023 and 2024. She has been awarded residencies at South Tipperary Arts Centre and the Tyrone Guthrie in Monaghan.
Solo exhibitions include “Vessels of Strength” at the Excel Gallery in Tipperary and “Estranged” at An Culturlann McAdam O’Fiaich in Belfast.
Her work has been featured in notable group exhibitions, such as “Simulacrum” at Platform Arts Belfast and “BURN THE WITCH STILL I RISE” at Goma, Waterford. Recent group exhibitions include “Feminine Space” at The Courthouse Gallery in Ennistymon, the Members Show at Ormston House and currently has work in the members exhibition, “The Ties that Bind” at 126 Gallery, Galway.