Mayo native brings art exhibition home 

Miriam Innes has been forging an international career for herself as an artist for more than two decades.

Now, the Castlehill native and former Ballina school student returns to her home county later this week with the exhibition ‘22.96│Overflow’.

Miriam has been building a reputation for herself in Australia, where she has been living and working in recent years, and this new exhibition brings together the work of Queensland artists Joolie Gibbs and Leeroy Todd, alongside that of the talented Mayo artist.

Opening in Ballina Civic Offices, the exhibition represents the first time that Miriam has presented a major body of work in Mayo since leaving to pursue her artistic career abroad.

‘22.96│Overflow’ is the second chapter in the acclaimed ‘22.96’ series, developed in response to the devastating 2022 floods in Gympie, Queensland, where water levels reached a record height of 22.96 metres.

Through drawing, film and installation, the exhibition explores the emotional, environmental and social impacts of flooding while highlighting the strength of communities living with water. The project creates a dialogue between regional Australia and County Mayo, places linked by powerful waterways, changing climates and enduring community connections.

For Miriam, the exhibition represents a significant homecoming and an opportunity to share a body of work shaped by both her Irish heritage and international experience.

“Although the work was born from a Queensland flood event, its themes are universal. Communities in Mayo understand the power of water, the importance of place and the resilience to rebuild and move forward,” she said.

Miriam’s early exposure to peatlands, rural labour and natural materials continue to inform her practice.

Alongside the exhibition, a programme of artist talks, workshops and a residency will encourage cultural exchange between Ireland and Australia.

The exhibition opens on Friday, July 3, running from Monday to Friday each week until August 8.

Miriam will also deliver workshops on paper cutting in Ballina Arts Centre on July 4.