Kilkenny artist holds retrospective exhibition in KCAT

A retrospective exhibition celebrating the remarkable career of studio artist, Jason Turner is currently showing at KCAT Arts Centre in Callan.

This exhibition highlights Jason’s artistic journey over the past 15 to 20 years, featuring his vibrant space-scapes, intricate bird inventories, and much more.

Jason Turner, who joined KCAT Studio in 2006, has been a key figure among its community of artists and learners. His journey began with willow weaving and wood carving at Kingsriver Community, skills that paved the way for his broader artistic explorations. Jason’s dedication and passion for art have earned him international recognition, with exhibitions in Australia, Scotland, Germany, Finland, and extensively throughout Ireland.

Curator Dominic Thrope praises Jason’s works as “beautifully rendered, colorful, and sensitive. These works are a testament to the skill and thoughtfulness of Jason’s work. His practice is grounded in a recognition that we all have a responsibility to ourselves, to be active in the world in a way that affirms our own voice and sense of self-worth.”

Jason Turner himself reflects on his journey, stating: “If I didn’t do art I’d be letting myself down.” His deep connection to birds stems from his childhood, where his father kept pigeons and was part of a pigeon racing club. This background inspired Jason to explore avian themes through his artistic pactice.

The exhibition is open to the public 10am – 4pm daily (closed Sundays) at KCAT and runs until July 19.