Paintings of hope at centre of art exhibition at dlr LexIcon • Artist Karen Ebbs explores colour, reflections, and reality in this new body of artworks

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is pleased to present An Outer Reflection of an Inner Reality, an exhibition of new artworks by Karen Ebbs. This is a striking exhibition featuring large, colourful oil paintings, mirrored plexiglass, and sculptures. Karen’s work invites viewers to explore themes of reflection, perception, and the nature of reality. At the heart of the work is colour – life-affirming and transformative. She uses colour as a quiet rebellion against grey apathy, to offer hope.

Visitors become part of the experience as their reflections blend with the artwork. The installation changes with each person who enters, making them both an observer and a participant. Viewers will be drawn in, and their own reflections will become interwoven with the painting installation as they interact and react to the exuberant colours and forms.

Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Councillor Jim Gildea said: ‘Karen uses colour in highly appealing welcoming way to invite visitors to interact with her work.’

Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Frank Curran added: ‘This exhibition is a great example of the Council’s support for emerging artists.’

Alongside the exhibition, dlr Arts Office will run a programme of accompanying talks, workshops and events. This offers many opportunities for people of all ages to interact with the gallery in different ways, learning about and trying out different art-making techniques.  For further details, visit the website:   www.dlrcoco.ie/arts

Karen Ebbs is a Dublin-based artist and a member of Pallas Projects and Studios. She received a Masters in Fine Art, in painting from NCAD in 2023 and was subsequently shortlisted for the RDS Visual Arts Awards. She also studied at the Royal Hibernian Academy School, Dublin. Recent solo exhibitions include Rathfarnham Castle, 2024, Farmleigh Estate, 2022 and the LAB Gallery, Dublin, 2022. In 2022, Karen received an Agility Award from the Arts Council of Ireland and a Professional Development Award from dlr Arts Office.