Installation detail of Where the Wall Meets my Hand by Kearney
Erin Kearney, a multidisciplinary artist and educator based in Buffalo, was named the Best in Show artist for the Daemen-led and first-ever EMERGENCE: A Celebration of Emerging Artists.
The honor was given based on the quality of work displayed during EMERGENCE, as well as the artist’s ability to use the $1,000 award toward new works, said Robert Waterhouse, chair of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Daemen, which staged EMERGENCE with Crucible Arts Collective, Arts Services Inc., among other partners.
“We wanted to select an artist who deserved a sponsorship of future projects,” said Waterhouse.
The three-show series this spring focused on artists within the first decade of their professional careers; featuring 18 artists, whose work was shown at partner galleries, EMERGENCE also featured lectures, panel discussions, and networking receptions.
Best in Show
Of My Mother, photograph
Kearney’s work utilizes sculptural installation, video projection, photography and performance through a variety of fiber-based mediums. Her research roots itself inside the architecture of her childhood home, she said.
Pulling from personal narrative, Kearney also “examines the daily happenings that expose the tensions and fleshy underbelly of domestic spaces.”
Said Kearney, “I am humbled and honored to receive this award. EMERGENCE has been such a fruitful experience that has offered up new spaces and colleagues in the Buffalo art community.”
Kearney received her BFA in sculpture from Alfred University and MFA in art and technology from the Ohio State University.
EMERGENCE was sponsored by Daemen’s Leadership and Entrepreneurship in the Arts bachelor’s degree program.