Kiera Burton (b. 1993, Ireland) is an artist and educator based in West London. She currently holds a senior management position at a private education service, where she teaches art to children and adults. In early 2023, Burton delivered a participatory art piece at the Tate Modern celebrating Women's History Month. She holds degrees from the best art universities in the world, including the Royal College of Art and the University of the Arts London.
Burton has over seven years of teaching experience and worked in London's contemporary art industry for four years, where she managed gallery teams and raised over £75K for charity by organising exhibitions and running stands at art fairs. Her artwork has been featured on Montez Press Radio, by the UAL Arts Chaplaincy, at the Prince Charles Cinema and at a Tate Modern Late.
Artist Statement
Burton’s nomadic upbringing resulted in a home that was not geographically based but found within Christian theology and its church. Through her practice, Burton expands upon the communion she felt within those communities and presents a space of belonging.
Her work explores the lived experience as a Christian woman operating within a strong patriarchal tradition and reimagines the church as an equitable institution. Inspired by folk traditions and religious ceremonies, Burton utilises art forms that have historically been labelled as ‘women’s work’, submissive and pious. Burton explores textiles as a potent tool to reclaim the position of feminist theology in a gentle form of assertion.
Burton has been particularly moved by the writing of Beth Allison Barr, whose book The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth, has reframed how poor translation and manipulation of historical records have resulted in the misrepresentation of women’s roles within Christianity today. Building on existing feminist theology, Burton seeks to position sound and textiles as a site for restoration of spiritual truth.
Exhibitions & Events
CAP Cinema Prince Charles Cinema, London, July 2023
Altered Perspectives Peckham Levels, London, July 2023
MA Degree Show Royal College of Art, London, June - July 2023
Beyond Surface Tate Modern Late, London, March 2023
Beyond Surface Radio Montez Press Radio, March 2023
The Spiritual Exercises 2 Arts Chaplaincy, March 2021
I’m Ready To Dance Again Safehouse 1 & 2, London, May 2021
Graduate Showcase University of the Arts London, July 2020 - 2021
Anti-Rocket Google Docs, July - August 2020
Different Visuals Lightly Touched The Cookhouse Gallery, London, January 2020
The Studio Show Chelsea College of Arts, London, November 2019
Education
Royal College of Art MA Contemporary Art Practice, 2022 - 2023
Chelsea College of Arts, UAL Distinction, Graduate Diploma Fine Art, 2020
University of Central Lancashire 2.1 BA (Hons) Advertising, 2014