Melanie Mullan interviews three women redefining the art world: contemporary artist Petria Lenehan, who transitioned from fashion design to painting and now works from her studio in Wicklow, Ireland, promoting her work via Instagram; and Trish Lambe, CEO and Artistic Director of Photo Museum Ireland, who began her career at the museum in the 1990s and now leads its curatorial team. The article highlights Lenehan's intuitive painting process and Lambe's hands-on approach to exhibition production.
This piece matters because it spotlights the diverse roles women play in shaping the contemporary art landscape—from independent studio practice to institutional leadership. It underscores how artists like Lenehan leverage social media to build direct connections with collectors and clients, while leaders like Lambe demonstrate the importance of in-house production and artist collaboration in museum exhibitions. The article reflects broader trends in the art world: the rise of digital self-promotion and the growing visibility of women in senior curatorial and directorial positions.