Creative Journey to Madrid

John is travelling to Madrid next week to an arts workshop hosted by Arts Organisation Debajo Del Sombrero as part of a longer term Erasmus + project called Expanding realities which will see exchange or ideas, approaches and collaborations  between GASP Cork, Art in Motion (AIM) Bristol and Debajo del Sombrero Madrid.

The project is coordinated by CIT Crawford College of Art and Design and supported by Leargas.  The workshop in Madrid will be a change to engage with new method and approaches. Some workshop will be focused on visual response to performance art while time will also be spent working on a large piece of work on an outdoor wall.

Public Engagement at the Sirius Centre

John takes part in Public Engagement events at the Sirius Arts Centre for Generation.

During the exhibition Generation, a number of opportunities for Public Engagement were organisied. Meet the Artsist Events, Coffee Mornings and Workshops. 

John Whelan was heavily involved in the public engagement aspect of the exhibitions. His work inspired the workshop activities and she was present at some the events.

John spoke about his work and explained his painting style.

He worked as if in studio along side other artists in the gallery.

His pieces inspired some of the activity sheets. Participants were invited to create a poem inspired by John's painting.

Some images of John's experience at the Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh and his hard work displayed.

John In Studio #1

John's work  has been described as tribal and instinctive. His process is unusual. In the initial stages he uses both hands to draw with 2 pieces charcoal in then paints ever so carefully a series of lines, dots and marks. Here are some pictures to give and insight in to his works in progress. 

The Work: John Whelan

Here is a selection of work by John Whelan.

John’s style involves instinctive mark making, often using both hands at the same time. Layering, pattern and an ever-moving surface are present in every painting John does. It can be hard to find words to describe his paintings because the abstractness allows for much interpretation, suggestions of objects and imagery and endless possibilities.

Media: Acrylic Paint on Cardboard.

Opening Night at the Quay Co-op

John Whelan's Opening at the Quay Co-op,14th of May 2015

Friends, family and work colleagues joined John in the opening of his solo show in the Quay Co-op, O' Sullivan's Quay, Cork City. It was an intimate affair of food, wine and conversation. Best of luck to John and here's hoping this is the first many many solo exhibitions. 

John Whelan Exhibits at the Quay Co-op

Exhibition: Work by John Whelan in Quay Co-op back on display from June 17 to July 7

John’s style involves distinctive mark making, often using both hands at the same time. Layering, pattern and an ever-moving surface are present in every painting John does. It can be hard to find words to describe his paintings because the abstractness allows for much interpretation, suggestions of objects and imagery and endless possibilities. Visit the Quay Co-op, Sullivan's Quay, Cork from June 17 to July 7. 2015 to see his work.