Niamh Fahy

Niamh Fahy is a Research Associate at the Centre for Print Research (CFPR) within the Faculty of Arts, Creative Industries, and Education at the University of the West of England. She joined CFPR in November 2019 as part of the Expanding Excellence in England (E3) fund following a career as an Artist and Printmaker. Currently pursuing a PhD under the supervision of Sarah Bodman, Angie Butler, and Paul Laidler, her work bridges artistic practice with environmental concerns.

Her educational background includes an MA in Multi-Disciplinary Printmaking from the University of the West England (2019), where she received the Rebecca Smith Memorial prize, a Certificate in Creative Enterprise from the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, and a BA Hons Degree in Fine Art Printmaking from the Limerick School of Art and Design, where she was awarded the Limerick Printmaking Emerging Artist Bursary Award upon graduation.

Niamh's research focuses on how print artists can challenge and expand understanding of anthropogenic changes within landscapes, with particular interest in expanding interdisciplinary research between print artists and environmental science groups. Her work combines traditional printmaking techniques with experimental analogue photography, wet plate collodion photography, and digital embroidery to explore environmental themes.

Her recent publications and exhibitions demonstrate a consistent focus on environmental degradation, particularly the concept of 'slow violence' in landscapes. Through printmaking and photography, she investigates human impact on natural environments, with specific attention to mountain ecosystems and water quality issues. Her work often takes the form of collaborative projects that bridge art and science disciplines.

Scientific Awards:

• Intaglio Print Prize at Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair (2019)
• The Paul Hipkiss Memorial Prize (2018)
• Individual Artist Bursary Award Galway County Council (2016, 2015)
• Create Research and Development Award (2015)
• Artist Development programme 2020 by the European Investment Bank
• Rebecca Smith Memorial prize (2019)
• Limerick Printmaking Emerging Artist Bursary Award (2012)

Niamh has completed several artist residencies including at the Tartu Printing Museum, Estonia (2015), the Tyrone Guthrie Residency award, Ireland (2014), and the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology Summer Print residency (2016). Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally at venues including Bankside Gallery in London, The RWA in Bristol, Piano Noble Kings Place Gallery in London, and various international print festivals.