Jenny Cleary is an artist and illustrator based in Dublin, Ireland.
Originally from Norway, she has travelled and lived in many countries which has greatly influenced her work. She is inspired by people around her and always on the lookout for interesting characters which she can use in her art. Colour and texture play a major role in all her work and she uses a variety of techniques.
She was educated at Edinburgh College of Art and since graduation in 2000 has been a practising artist and teacher.
Polar bear series: “Isbjørn”, is Norwegian for polar bear, direct translation - ice bear. The polar bear is represented by thin layers of watery paint, dripping down its fur. This is to reflect the melting ice due to climate change. The stark black background intends to emphasize the subject and also to suggest the uncertain future which these animals are facing. Melting sea ice is the biggest threat to the polar bear numbers. If there is no drastic improvement in greenhouse gas emissions the polar bear will be extinct by 2100.
Portraits: The human face and body have always fascinated me with their intensity of colours, structure, light and shadow. I choose subjects based on features that captivate me. I also want to re-create human skin and flesh using the multitude of colours I see when looking at a subject and use mark-making to communicate the way a body behaves.
Education
Northern Ireland Open College Network (2004) Teacher Training Certificate, The Arts Programme
Edinburgh College of Art (1997-2000) BA Hons, Visual Communication
University of the West of England, Bristol (1996-97) Foundation Degree in Art and Design
Seljord Folkehogskule, Norway (1995-96) Diploma in Arts and Crafts
Exhibitions
Group show- The Royal Academy of Arts, Summer Exhibition, 2022
Solo show – Bokbyen, Norway, 2014
Group show – Drammen Museum, Norway, 2012
Summer show – Gallery Athene, Norway, 2011
Solo show – The Helix, Dublin, 2011
Christmas show – The Bad Art Gallery, Dublin, 2010
Group show – Drammen Museum, Norway, 2010
Group show- The Bad Art Gallery, Dublin, Dublin, 2010
Group show – The Teacher’s Club, Dublin, 2010
Group show – Drammen Illustrated, Norway, 2010
Small works show – The Crow Gallery, Dublin, Ireland, 2010
Christmas show – The Bad Art Gallery, Dublin, Ireland, 2009
Group show – The Bad Art Gallery, Dublin, Ireland 2009
Group show – St. Clarenden, Dublin, Ireland 2007
Two person show – Powerscourt Townhouse, Dublin, Ireland 2006
Christmas show – The Crow Gallery, Dublin,Ireland 2005
Group show – The Crow Gallery, Dublin, Ireland 2005
Group show – Powerscourt Townhouse, Dublin, Ireland 2005
Group show – NCAD, Dublin, Ireland 2005
Group show – United Arts Club, Dublin, Ireland 2004
Two person show – Signal Arts Centre, Bray, Ireland 2004
Red Bull show – RHA Gallery, Dublin, Ireland 2003
Illustrators Annual Awards – Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, Ireland 2003
Mural exhibition – Special Olympics, Dublin, Ireland 2003
Group show – Drammen Museum, Norway, 2001
Degree show – Edinburgh College of Art, Scotland 2001
Group show – Kaoshung College, Taiwan 1998
Group show – Bower Asthon, Bristol, England 1997
Bibliography
Unselected but not forgotten, A.Dunne, The Irish Times 22/6-09
Signal Art Centre hosts Figures and Portraits, Bray People, 26/8 –04
Exhibition Opening, Bray People, 9/9 –04
November exhibition, Bjorn Zarbell-Engh, Drammens Tidende, 2/11 –04
On tour with the three degrees, JMcL, The Herald, 23/6 –00