Modern Brigids 2025 - Goddesses of the arts

To mark Brigid’s Day, HerStory is celebrating the modern women who embody her qualities and share her passions as an environmentalist, feminist, Pride icon, healer, pioneer, human rights activist, goddess of the arts, alchemist and wisdom weaver. 

St. Brigid may be a woman who lived 1,500 years ago and the Celtic goddess Brigid pre-dates Christianity, but she continues to inspire. Today, IrishCentral celebrates those who contribute to the arts - from writers to directors and artists and storytellers.

Goddesses of the arts

Karina Tynan – writer, psychotherapist

Karina Tynan – writer, psychotherapist.

Karina Tynan’s dual career as a writer and psychotherapist enables her to make a significant impact on both the literary and mental health fields. Born in Kilkenny, her lifelong fascination with mythology, particularly Irish mythology, is deeply rooted in her work.

Her two collections, "TÁIN" and "SÍDH" are written from the perspectives of the women and are highly regarded for their exploration of women’s perspectives, adding a vital voice to literary and psychological discussions.

Grace Dyas – director, activist

Grace Dyas – director, activist.

Grace Dyas is an established artist and activist with nearly 20 years of experience making socially engaged art. She often engages with people who have survived trauma, making work collaboratively about social justice issues.

Grace employs the mediums of theatre, film, installation and conceptual art, over the past decade creating landmark works of art which raise provocative questions about power, ethics, morality, class and social justice.

Áine Philips – performance artist, curator, educator

Áine Philips – performance artist, curator, educator.

Áine Phillips is a performance artist and curator based in Galway, exhibiting and performing in Ireland and internationally since the late 1980s. She creates work for diverse contexts including public art commissions, street performances, club events, galleries, theatres, and museums.

Her art is driven by feminist philosophy, ethics, and politics, using creative expression to comment on and propose changes in subjectivity, gender, and social dynamics.

Áine Phillips is also an educator, working as the Head of Sculpture at Burren College of Art in Ballyvaughan.

Paula Kehoe – filmmaker, storyteller

Paula Kehoe – filmmaker, storyteller.

Paula Kehoe is an award-winning filmmaker whose work is deeply informed by social justice, the environment, language, and culture. Her films have received critical acclaim for their insightful portrayal of women’s lives and issues.

One of her notable projects, “Deargdhúil: Anatomy of Passion”, delves into the life and work of Irish poet Máire Mhac an tSaoi, offering a profound exploration of a woman’s creative and personal journey. Her most recent work is a six-part creative docudrama series "An Diabhal Inti" ("The Devil’s in Her").

FRIZ – visual artist

FRIZ – visual artist.

Marian Noone, aka FRIZ, is a Sligo born artist who works in both traditional and digital mediums. Her art explores themes of identity, femininity, and the natural world, creating a unique visual language and portraits that resonate with diverse audiences.

FRIZ often draws inspiration from Irish folklore and mythology, bringing ancient stories to life in a modern context. Her pieces also frequently feature strong, ethereal female figures, blending realism with fantastical elements.

Áine O’Brien – conceptual artist

Áine O’Brien – conceptual artist.

Áine O’Brien is a conceptual artist, songwriter, and performer based in Kilfenora, County Clare. Her artwork, often incorporating multimedia and interactive elements, addresses themes of identity and social inequality.

As an authentic Irish artist, O’Brien showcases the diversity and strength of Irish women. One of her powerful pieces, the Sovereignty Project, illuminated the resilience in Irish women’s hearts by creating a new image of Mother Mary in response to the Mother and Baby Homes scandal. This work, together with other five photos, poignantly addressed a painful subject, awakening the power of healing through art.

Myriam Riand – photographer

Myriam Riand – photographer.

Myriam Riand is a photographer and design artist, whose work captures the essence of human experience through evocative and narrative-rich imagery. Her portraits, in particular, highlight the dignity and resilience of her subjects, such as the Sovereignty Project collaborated with conceptual artist Áine O’Brien.

Riand’s work spans various genres including portraiture, documentary photography, and fine art.

Áine O’Hara – visual artist

Áine O’Hara is a visual artist, designer, and disability advocate based in Ireland. Her work encompasses various mediums and focuses on community building, accessibility, and care, particularly in uplifting and supporting disabled and chronically ill artists and audiences. One of her recent projects, “The Rest Rooms,” exemplifies this dedication. It was a creative gathering fostering hope, joy, and community among disabled, deaf, chronically ill, and neurodiverse individuals. The event offered a series of workshops, talks, and social spaces for rest, contemplation, and celebration.

* Herstory is every woman's story. Founded in 2016, Herstory is a multi-disciplinary storytelling platform that illuminates and celebrates female role models.

Through pioneering education and art programs, they inspire, educate and empower the youth and nation. In turn, they spark sister movements across the world. For more visit Herstory.ie.