John O’Donoghue Artist, Ireland
t: +353 87 823 1576
e: john@johnodonoghueartist.com
John is a professional painter, portrait artist and set designer. He studied art at the National College of Art and Design, graduating in 1987.
His #UrbanClassical solo exhibition was recently hosted by The Watergate Gallery - delivered as both a virtual and in-person experience - which was the subject of a docuseries created by the venue. This collection of paintings - primarily in oils and textured media - explores classical statuary, architecture and the arts - approached from a contemporary, urban perspective, using aged layers of torn images to evoke the memory of time and (sub)culture.
Portrait painting is an important element of John’s work. His love of portraiture began at the tender age of sixteen, when he began the simultaneous joy and challenge of mastering this art. His series of David Bowie portraits were featured in the Dublin Bowie Festival in 2019, and he accepts private commissions on an ongoing basis.
After NCAD, John continued his artistic journey for the next seven years as an art and design teacher, during which time he became heavily involved in theatre as a set designer and scenic artist. In 1995, set design became his full-time career and, since then, John has designed over 300 theatrical productions in theatres all over Ireland.
During this time John continued to create his own art, and enjoyed successful shows at the Art Ireland Exhibition, held annually at the Royal Dublin Society.
Originally from Dublin, John lives in the beautiful medieval city of Kilkenny with his wife, Christine, their golden retriever, George, and rescue cats, Dot and Clarence.