A Roscommon artist's portrait, capturing a moment of beauty and calm, now graces the walls of the National Gallery of Ireland. Kathy Raftery's journey to this prestigious recognition began in her rural Irish hometown, where her passion for art blossomed. With a background in film and a master's degree in the craft, she has now been showcased in the National Gallery alongside 25 other artists for the AIB Portrait Prize. While she didn't win the competition, her photograph 'Fireside Beauty Parlour' is now on display, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of hair styling and glamour. This piece, taken in Williamstown, captures a moment between Josephine Cullinane and her niece-in-law Noreen Comer, illuminated by a single light source that evokes the style of old masters. Raftery's success is a testament to the support she's received, including funding from the Roscommon County Council's arts office and the encouragement of her parents, especially her mother, who she calls her best researcher. The exhibition, running until March, will then travel to Waterford and Donegal, bringing this captivating portrait to even more audiences.
