Dervla O'Flaherty is a visual artist from Ireland. Her research into myth, place and the unknown continually informs series of multi-layered paintings through a deeply process-led practice. Dervla graduated from the National College of Art & Design (NCAD) in 2012 with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art Painting and completed postgraduate studies at Cyprus College of Art (CCA) in 2014. Recent projects include a solo exhibition ‘Otherworld Trouble’ at Dillon Gallery, Cultúrlann in Belfast (2025); a residency at the Institute for Contemporary Art, Yerevan (ICA) in 2024; participation in group shows at Ardgillan Gallery, Hamilton Gallery, and Ranelagh Arts Centre in 2024. 

 

Place and space are central themes of her practice. Dervla has undertaken projects in India, Iceland, Cyprus, Hungary, Malta, Armenia, and Alaska, continuously returning to themes of ancient structures and landscape, mythology and folktales within her work. She was lucky to receive several residencies at Cill Rialaig artist retreat over the years, connecting themes of the Kerry landscape into her work. She received a Culture Moves Europe grant in 2025 to research the megalithic temples in Malta to inform new painting series. She received the Ballinglen Arts Foundation Fellowship Award upcoming in 2025, appointed to the Bridge Guard Artist Residency in Hungary/Slovakia upcoming in 2026.

Current solo exhibition 'Ancient Convresations' open at Cill Rialaig Arts Centre until August 2025.

 

Artist Statement

I’m driven by a deeply process-led practice, rooted in ongoing research into myth, place, the unknown, and the self. The work forms large overlapping mixed-media series with a strong emphasis on layering—both physically and conceptually.

Techniques like glazing, cutting, carving, and overlapping materials are central to my work.

Experimental physical process allow me to explore mythical, historical, and significant places through texture and form.

My current series Otherworld Trouble is a large body of mixed-media paintings developed from a search for surrogate access points to the otherworld, using textures gathered during recent travels (Hungary, Malta, Cyprus, Georgia, Armenia, Alaska), then consolidated in my studio in Ireland.

Drawn to thresholds, cracks, and entrances, these expressive works reimagine architectural and natural forms into wild poetic terrains that invite viewers contemplate the allure and peril of venturing beyond the known into 'the Otherworld', whatever that concept may mean to the individual.