My creative journey is deeply rooted in two distinct yet intertwined influences: the Neo-Expressionist movement of 1980s New York City and the vibrant street art of Belfast's city centre. These two art forms, though separated by time and geography, converge in my work to create a unique visual language that captures the intensity and raw emotion of urban life.
Neo-Expressionism in New York City
Neo-Expressionism emerged in New York City in the late 1970s and reached its zenith in the 1980s. This movement was characterized by a return to figurative painting, with an emphasis on bold colors, dynamic compositions, and an often raw, aggressive style. Prominent artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Julian Schnabel, and Anselm Kiefer brought a visceral energy to their canvases, rejecting the cool detachment of minimalism and conceptual art that had dominated the previous decade.In my work, I channel the spirit of Neo-Expressionism by embracing its unapologetic emotionality and spontaneous, almost chaotic, approach. The movement’s emphasis on personal expression and social commentary resonates deeply with me. Like the Neo-Expressionists, I use bold, gestural brushstrokes and a vivid color palette to convey the intensity of human experience and the complexities of urban life. My canvases are a battleground of emotions, mirroring the frenzied pace and gritty reality of city existence.
The Influence of Belfast Street Art
While the Neo-Expressionists were making waves in New York, Belfast was undergoing its own artistic transformation. The streets of Belfast, particularly in the city centre, became a canvas for street artists who used murals and graffiti to voice social and political messages. The Troubles, a period of conflict in Northern Ireland, left an indelible mark on the city’s urban landscape, and art became a powerful means of expression and resistance.Growing up in Belfast, I was surrounded by these murals and graffiti, which conveyed a raw, unfiltered truth about the city's struggles and aspirations. This street art was not just about aesthetics; it was about storytelling and giving voice to the voiceless. The immediacy and accessibility of street art deeply influenced my approach to art-making. It taught me the power of art to engage with social issues and connect with a diverse audience.
In my work, I strive to merge the emotional intensity of Neo-Expressionism with the bold, confrontational spirit of Belfast’s street art. My pieces often incorporate text and symbolic imagery, drawing from the visual language of graffiti and muralism. This fusion allows me to create works that are both visually striking and rich with narrative depth.
Bridging Two Worlds
The synthesis of these two influences—Neo-Expressionism and Belfast street art—creates a dialogue between the personal and the political, the past and the present. My art is a testament to the enduring power of these movements to inspire and provoke thought. By blending the expressive, painterly techniques of Neo-Expressionism with the graphic immediacy of street art, I aim to create works that resonate on both an emotional and intellectual level.In essence, my art is a reflection of the cities that shaped me: the bustling, art-driven energy of 1980s New York and the resilient, expressive streets of Belfast. Each piece is a tribute to the transformative power of art and its ability to capture the human condition in all its complexity. Through my work, I hope to continue the legacy of these movements, pushing the boundaries of expression and connecting with audiences in meaningful ways.