Irish art in Cyprus: Meet Miriam McConnon

Cyprus boasts a vibrant and emerging art scene, becoming an attractive destination for many artists over the years. While Nicosia serves as the cultural hub, many art practitioners can be found all around the island, enjoying its warm climate and taking inspiration for its rich ancient culture. Among them is Irish artist , who has chosen to make Paphos, on the southwest of Cyprus, her home.

Miriam is a distinguished multidisciplinary artist known for her installation, painting, and large-scale drawings, all of which resonate with themes of empathy, resilience, and the universal search for belonging.

Born in Dublin, she graduated from the National College of Art and Design and continued her studies at the Cyprus College of Art. With an impressive portfolio, she has presented 12 solo exhibitions and participated in over 25 group shows, including the Beijing Biennale and the International Drawing Biennale across several countries.

Now residing in Cyprus, Miriam actively engages with communities affected by conflict, focusing on the experiences of women and families from diverse backgrounds. Her work poignantly reveals the resilience of domestic spaces and shared narratives of survival among displaced individuals. Her collaborative approach, exemplified in the "Common Grounds" project culminated in an internationally acclaimed documentary.