My name is Sinéad Tarmey and I am a 22 year old visual artist from the West of Ireland. I work primarily through the medium of photography though I often implement illustration, writing and graphic design into my art. My work and practice provide me with a space to express and work through internal struggles, traumas and specific themes and memories in a profoundly personal, creative way. Release and catharsis, as well as a freedom of expression are all vital elements to my practice and have been apparent in all of my work thus far. I find profound healing in my work and strive to provide that to others too. I want the “unusual” to feel seen and understood by my work, which is why I often celebrate the irreverent and unconventional throughout my practice. In my work and artistic practice I work to maintain a deep compassion and understanding of generally misunderstood aspects of life and society. My work consists of saccharine-sweet, pastel and eye-catching colours and patterns, providing a sense of comfort which are then juxtaposed by disturbing imagery, themes and subjects. Taking what is abject, liminal and eerie and turning it into oddly warm and nostalgic domestic vistas is a distinct element of my visual art. I take inspiration from various forms of visual media, from film, painting, medical diagrams, to video games and underground internet culture. The primary goal of my art is to make the viewers of my work feel a distinct sense of discomfort in being confronted with aspects of life we tend to shy away from in our day to day lives, whilst providing them with a level of empathy and understanding.
