“Hang It in the Louvre”: The Artist Realizing Her Dream

For Clíodhna Doherty, a Newry-based abstract figurative artist, the phrase “Hang it in the Louvre” is more than just a saying; it’s about to become her reality. Her artwork, titled Laura, will be displayed at the prestigious Louvre Museum in Paris as part of the Art Shopping fair from October 18-20.

Accompanied by her parents, Clíodhna describes this moment as a “fantastic family experience.” The fair attracts art collectors and investors, offering them a chance to discover both emerging talents and established artists. “I hope to sell Laura today,” she shared, optimistic about the exposure her work will receive.

Clíodhna’s journey into the art world has been remarkable. After leaving her job four years ago to become a full-time artist, she has already showcased her work in Venice and Cannes this past year. “It’s a bit bonkers,” she admitted, reflecting on her rapid rise. When PAX Gallery in Austria contacted her about the opportunity, she initially thought it was too good to be true. “I thought it was a scam at first, but it turned out to be legit, and here we are,” she laughed.

The Louvre holds special significance for Clíodhna, not only for its status as a cultural landmark but also because it houses the world-renowned Mona Lisa. “Leonardo da Vinci is a huge inspiration for me,” she explained. “The Mona Lisa captures a woman as both she wants to be seen and how he perceives her. That concept resonates with my own work, albeit in a more abstract way.”

In 2022, Clíodhna created Laura as part of her Intimacy collection, inviting women to send her nude photographs. Over 136 women across Ireland participated, and she ultimately selected 30 images for the series. “It’s heartwarming that women trust me with these images, allowing me to portray them beautifully,” she said. The sentiment of painting these women and having their work displayed in the Louvre is particularly moving for her.

Clíodhna describes Laura as a confident young woman, capturing the peace one feels during those quiet moments at home—whether before bed or after a shower. Her goal is to empower women to see themselves in her art and to appreciate their bodies in a non-sexualized way.

Reflecting on her journey, Clíodhna noted the challenges artists often face, especially in a society that prioritizes STEM fields. “There’s a stigma that artists can’t make money, which creates a mental block,” she explained. However, she believes that social media has significantly transformed opportunities for emerging artists. “It’s definitely improved, especially for women artists, who only represent about 2% of the art world,” she added. “Social media has provided greater visibility.”

Clíodhna initially pursued a degree in animation and design, with dreams of working for Disney, and started her career in graphic design. Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic became a pivotal moment for her. “My grandad passed away during the pandemic, and he had always encouraged me to pursue fine art,” she recounted. “That loss made me realize life is too short. I decided to quit my job and never looked back.”

Now, as she prepares for her exhibition at the Louvre, Clíodhna Doherty is living her dream and inspiring others to embrace their passions. This upcoming display not only marks a significant milestone in her career but also symbolizes a broader movement toward recognizing and celebrating women in art. As she shares her journey, Clíodhna reminds us all to trust our instincts and pursue what truly makes us happy.