Atmospheric paintings tracing the river’s journey headline Kilkenny Arts Office’s summer programme curated by Shane Gallagher.
Dates: June 20 – July 3, 2026
Location: Teahouses, Kilkenny
Rachel Burke, celebrated for her evocative explorations of landscape and memory, opens her latest solo exhibition “Blue is the Eye” at Teahouses Kilkenny on June 20. The exhibition presents a new body of work tracing the river as it flows into the city, expanding Burke’s ongoing fascination with water, line, and layered imagery. Curated by Shane Gallagher as part of a dynamic summer programme funded by Kilkenny Arts Office and Creative Ireland.
Following her acclaimed 2025 exhibition documenting the rewilding of the riverbank, Burke’s new paintings shift focus to the river’s passage into urban Kilkenny. Atmospheric and pensive, each work weaves together drawing, text, and layered imagery to evoke memory and nostalgia, while foregrounding environmental concerns. Rendered in pencil and acrylic inks on raw unprimed canvas, the paintings create a tapestry-like narrative that invites viewers into the unfolding story of place and transformation.
“Blue is the Eye” features a series of paintings that reflect Burke’s signature approach: atmospheric compositions built from delicate lines, expressive mark-making, and nuanced layering. The use of raw canvas and mixed media techniques gives each piece a tactile, story-rich presence. The exhibition includes opportunities for public engagement, such as plein air workshops and an artist talk, fostering dialogue about art, environment, and local landscape.
Rachel Burke has exhibited widely across Ireland, with work regularly selected for judged shows including the RHA and Lavit Gallery. Currently participating in RHA 196th Annual exhibition that runs till August. In March, she participated in the Lavit Gallery Member Show for the fourth consecutive year and will join Russborough’s Invited Art Fair in August, marking her seventh year at the event. She has earned numerous professional arts awards and bursaries over her career. Her paintings are held in numerous public and private collections, underscoring her standing in the Irish contemporary art scene.
About Rachel Burke
Rachel Burke is an artist based in Threecastles near Kilkenny City, originally from Cork, who graduated with a Fine Art Degree from Crawford College of Art and Design in 2000 and has exhibited widely throughout Ireland, with work held in numerous public and private collections.
The summer programme at Teahouses Kilkenny, curated by Shane Gallagher
