An exhibition of emerging Irish and European artistic talent, launched by Capacity Ireland in association with Creative Europe, the Arts Council of Ireland, and the local authority arts services of Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, and Waterford. Curated by Jenna Whelan.

Featuring artworks by Roibí O Rua, Larry Dunne, Ally Nolan, Cúan Cusack, Despina Liopiari, James Wellwood, Mariana Lourenço, Niamh Twomey, Luke McAleenan, Luca Cosentino, Chloë O’Brien Bates, Caoilfhionn Hanton, Elyssa McDonagh, Elena Stavro.

Capacity Ireland, in association with Creative Europe, the Arts Council of Ireland, and the local authority arts services of Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, and Waterford, is delighted to launch this stunning exhibition Breaking the Patterns in Waterford on the 11 October (6pm – 8pm) at GOMA Gallery, Lombard Street. Curated by Jenna Whelan.

This art exhibition brings together a collective of Irish and international emerging visual artists who have completed residencies in Lisbon and Crete in 2025, a project in its second year. Inspired by their surroundings, they have created works that reflect their experiences and engagement with these locations. Working across a range of mediums—including film, sculpture, photography, and painting—each artist brings a unique perspective to the theme Breaking the Patterns; pushing creative boundaries and exploring new artistic possibilities.

Breaking the Patterns exhibition in its second year is part of a wider two-year programme led by Capacity Ireland and Carlow County Council Arts Service with residencies, exhibitions, mentoring and professional development opportunities for emerging artists. The programme is designed to target emerging Irish Visual Artists based in Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford. The exhibiting artists have been selected from their participation in this ambitious programme that has fostered and cultivated their creativity through European partnerships

“Capacity Ireland has been delighted with the successes of the Breaking the Patterns project to date and the additional benefit of partnering with the Arts Council of Ireland and Local Authority Arts Services, which has enabled the artists to be fully supported throughout the programme.”  – Daniel Smith, Director Capacity Ireland.

“Breaking The Patterns offers emerging artists a vital opportunity to expand both their practices and their ways of thinking by providing crucial support alongside the freedom essential for artistic experimentation and personal growth. This exhibition, housing the work of 14 national and international artists, marks a pivotal moment in their careers. Developed through three month-long residencies in Crete and Lisbon, the works respond to new cultures, places, people, and climates.

The resulting body of work reveals a shared exploration of strength, resilience, stability, and tradition. Traditions foster strong social ties and a sense of belonging, both of which are essential for resilience and inner strength. At the same time, cross-cultural exchanges such as these encourage artists to move beyond the familiar – expanding connections, references, and methodologies – and to pursue bold, experimental new directions. The result is not only the remarkable body of work presented in this exhibition, but also the new mindsets, personal connections and approaches fostered through these international residencies – resources the artists will carry forward and continue to draw upon throughout their careers.” – Jenna Whelan, Curator & Director, GOMA Gallery.

The exhibition showcases the artworks of 14 artists in total (Ireland-based, Crete-based and Lisbon-based artists): Roibí O Rua, Larry Dunne, Ally Nolan, Cúan Cusack, Despina Liopiari, James Wellwood, Mariana Lourenço, Niamh Twomey, Luke McAleenan, Luca Cosentino, Chloë O’Brien Bates, Caoilfhionn Hanton, Elyssa McDonagh, Elena Stavro.