Young Kerry woman raising awareness of rare and often hidden condition in first solo exhibition

Christina O'Hara, a young artist from Beaufort, said her exhibition consists of a deeply personal body of work that explores life with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
EDS is a rare condition affecting the connective tissues which support internal organs, bones, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and bones.
Studies suggest at least 6,250 people have a type of EDS or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD), another connective tissue condition, in Ireland, according to the Ehlers-Danlos Society.
Christina's showcase is titled 'Fragmented Connections' and it portrays her internal experience of living with a connective tissue disorder.
The artist, a Fine Arts graduate currently studying Arts Management in the University of Galway, said her exhibition blends visual art with advocacy.
She has described her installation as 'a window into the connections between found materials and my internal experience of fragmented connections.'
'Through mixed media and process-led work, I aim to give form to the invisible symptoms of chronic illness, while sparking conversation around what it means to live with a hidden illness or disability,' Christina said.
'As part of the show, I'm also inviting the wider community to engage with EDS awareness in creative and accessible ways, and I hope it will resonate with others navigating chronic illness and hidden disability.
'As someone from the local community, it means a great deal to me to share this journey and hopefully create a more understanding space for others living with hidden illness/disabilities.'
Among the works featured at the exhibition is an image piece titled 'Circumnavigating a Subluxed Reality'. It represents the artist's light-hearted, abstracted journey to find the beauty in her fragile internal experience.
'Fragmented Connections' opened at Siamsa Tíre Tralee on May 22, during Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month, and the installation will run until Saturday, June 7.

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