Filmed for RTÉ Nationwide in 2021, this video captures Byrne during an extraordinary chapter of his life and practice. In the quiet stillness of lockdown, when the world stood still, Byrne took to the rooftops. With brush in hand and sky above, he transformed isolation into inspiration, painting his way through the COVID blues. Dubbed 'the artist on the roof,' his work became a beacon of hope and quiet defiance, reminding us that even in the most uncertain times, art remains steadfast.
Now, years later, as we navigate a new era of transformation—where the aftershocks of global disruption still ripple through daily life—his paintings echo with fresh relevance. Just as he did when the world paused, Byrne continues to meet uncertainty with color and clarity, offering not just images, but reflections—fragments of feeling in flux. At a time when change feels constant and grounding truths elusive, his work continues to reflect how much of a steady, resilient force art can be.
