James O'Connell

The subject matter in James O’Connell’s paintings varies as much as the method in which they were created. In some paintings the paint is applied in one thick layer, like icing on a cake. Other times, countless translucent layers of paint are laid one on top of another to softly render an image. The paintings aren’t made to just be viewed on a phone screen. They are designed to be viewed similarly to a sculpture – drawing the viewer in or pushing them away. There are many illusions in his work created to trick the viewer and make them doubt what is in front of them. ‘Full Circle’ for example, is a trompe l’oeil painting, not just tinfoil stuck to a panel of wood.

“There are infinite images that can be created, painted or drawn. But in one lifetime, only a small handful of these possibilities can come to fruition. Especially when my work is so labour intensive – the production of a single painting can take many months of even years. As a result, my work is, and always will be, extremely eclectic. I am trying to tick as many boxes as I can whilst I’m here.”