Niamh Barry was born in 1968 in Dublin, Ireland where she still works and lives. She
makes unique and limited-edition fine light sculptures and furniture, constructed from
a range of materials that has included aluminum, porcelain, linen, mirror and acrylic
as well as wood, patinated and polished bronze and Murano glass.
Her 1991 Graduation Show consisted of unquestionably original fantasy castles and
palaces, constructed from paper clay with just a little less delicacy than houses of
cards.
With the exception of a short period spent in film and television art direction, Niamh
has made light sculptures and furniture since then. Having taught herself to weld, the
first new pieces were sofas and Ottomans whose generous velvet upholstery in fruitpastille
colours belied the welded steel frame beneath. Inspired by natural forms
such as the Venus Flytrap, whales and marrowbones, they retained the sense of
fantasy of the graduation work and were incredibly beautiful. At this time, Niamh also
made her first illuminated light sculpture in lead and steel.
Since then, as her use of materials and means has become increasingly
accomplished, there is evidence of growing serenity in the imagination, in the
designs, in the work.
Since 2007 Niamh has concentrated on working from her own inspiration, realising
the forms that emerge unbidden from her own imagination. In her signature work,
visual weight and movement are a constant theme.
