Public Vote Winner Announced in RCPI’s Art Competition on Climate and Health
Following a hugely competitive vote, the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) is delighted to announce Bernie Anderson as the winner of the Public Vote in RCPI's Art Competition – Climate and Health.
The competition, open to artists from various backgrounds, sought visual interpretations of the theme "Climate and Health." After careful consideration, a total of 48 artworks were shortlisted by the panel of expert judges chaired by James Hanley RHA.
These selected pieces were featured in an online public vote and showcased at No 6 Kildare Street as part of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland Annual Symposium – St Luke’s. During the public voting period, which ran from 16 October to 10 November 2023, more than 2000 votes were received.
The winning piece, titled "A Cool Breath of Air", uses the colour blue – which Bernie believes “can evoke a sense of connection to nature and the environment” - to convey a profound message about the impact of climate change on health. As Bernie worked on her art piece, her goal was to capture the feeling of fresh air and the act of inhaling and exhaling. She achieved this by incorporating light and wispy effects into her brushstrokes.
The winning piece "A Cool Breath of Air" displayed at No 6 Kildare Street
Bernie Anderson discovered her love for art as a child in London and won a painting competition at the age of 8. Although she studied art as a leaving cert subject, she put it aside to work as a mental health nurse for 38 years. Bernie returned to art in 2000 when she moved back to Donegal, finding it therapeutic amid the stresses of her career. Balancing work and raising her two children, she pursued art classes whenever possible.
In 2021, Bernie fulfilled her dream of becoming a full-time professional artist. She is mostly self-taught but has studied under notable artists, including Alexis Bonavitacola, Grahame Booth, Anna Martin and Morgan Ferriter. Bernie's goal is to create uplifting and inspiring paintings that resonate with viewers.
RCPI's Art Competition not only recognises the talent of artists but also highlights the crucial relationship between climate and health, emphasising the role of art as a medium for raising awareness and fostering dialogue on pressing global issues. You can still see the shortlisted artworks, discover the inspiration behind each piece and learn about the artists here.