Annette's Art

About the Artist

Annette Curran-Mcateer

Gorta mo chroí – My Hungry Heart

Art has always lived within me, waiting for its moment. After a lifetime devoted to caring for others as a nurse, midwife, family carer, I finally embraced the creative path that had been patiently waiting. My artistic practice is deeply personal, rooted in identity, intersectionality, and the search for authenticity.

Primarily working in paint, I also explore fabric, recycled materials, clay, and performance—choosing the medium that best serves the soul of each piece. My inspirations are drawn from a life shaped by a small rural community in a period of conflict. My work reflects the complexities of identity and belonging, weaving themes of disability, intergenerational trauma, gender-based oppression, colonialism, grief, and personal struggle.

I am captivated by colour, metaphor, and symbolism, using them to evoke emotion and unravel deep-seated narratives. I believe trauma is held in the body, and that art holds a unique power to release and transform it. Through my creations, I seek to give voice to those silent emotions, offering a space for healing and reflection.

I have exhibited in multiple locations across Bristol, participated in the Bath Fringe Festival, and showcased my work in London's Boomer and Espacio galleries. These experiences have shaped my artistic journey, allowing me to connect with audiences and explore new creative possibilities.

After years of setting aside my passion, I have dedicated the last years to catching up artistically, earning my bachelor's and MFA—rediscovering myself through the very act of creating. Art is not just my practice; it is my hunger, my heart, and my truth.