John O’Connell

Born in Dublin in 1976, John O’Connell is best known for his film animations, many of which likewise depart from his drawings, paintings, and miniature set designs. He also composes and plays piano for the animations, melodic and soothing soundtracks. Straddling the line between real and fictional, process-based and result-oriented, these animated works operate and acquire meaning within the private and make-believe universe that he has created. It is a surreal dimension, inspired by the world of dreams and the supernatural, where bizarre and fragmentary narratives develop according to an unfamiliar logic.

John holds an MA from the Royal College of Art, London and a BA from the National College of Art, Dublin. He has been awarded several artists residencies, most recently was a year long fellowship at Location1 New York. John has exhibited widely both nationally and internationally, he has been commissioned and supported by Wicklow County Council, Kildare County Council, and The Arts Council of Ireland; upcoming exhibitions include a solo show at the Galway Arts Centre 2013