Léann Herlihy

Léann Herlihy is an artist and researcher based in Dublin. The methodological fulcrum of their practice pivots around academic studies in queer theory and feminist epistemologies which they utilise in tandem with live action, performance, video, sculpture and text. Pairing gestural action with in-depth research, their practice employs an emancipatory paradigm that actively destabilises gendered and sexualised dichotomies in an overtly heteronormative society.

Originally from Waterford, Léann Herlihy holds a MA in Gender Studies from University College Dublin and a BA in Sculpture, Performance and Spatial Awareness from the University of Arts Poznań, Poland. They were the artist-in-residence for Steak House Live Residency Programme, London [2020] and Assembly #2, Simiane-La-Rotonde, France [2019]. Solo exhibitions include the middle of nowhere, Project Arts Centre, Dublin [2021]; STUNTMAN, ]performance s p a c e[, London [2020]; Trojan Horse, STROBOSKOP Art Space, Warsaw [2019]. Select group exhibitions and festivals include Slow Sunday, Artsadmin, Toynbee Studios, London [2020]; Foreign Bodies, Zachęta National Gallery of Art, Warsaw [2019]; Biennale Warszawa, Mokotowska, Warsaw [2019]; ZABIH Performance Festival, Lviv, Ukraine [2019].

Léann Herlihy is the recipient of the Arts Council of Ireland’s Visual Arts Bursary [2021], Agility Award [2021] and Travel and Training Award [2017]; Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Travel Award [2018; 2017] and SIAP General Arts Award [2017]; South Dublin County Council’s Young Artist Development Award [2018].