John Whelan's art exhibition back on display

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.

John, drawing at Mid summer festival

John Whelan, Colectivo Debajo del Sombrero and AIM

Group photos of all the artists taking part in the Madrid workshops including our very own, John Whelan.

Painting Wall Murals in La Tabaclero, Madrid

One of the highlights of the Madrid workshops was a trip to La Tabacalero to paint wall murals.

Here is John participating in the mural painting with the artists from Debajo Del Sombrero and AIM.

Painting Workshop in La Matadero, Madrid

On one of the first days of the GASP artists trip to Madrid, Colectivo Debajo del Sombrero hosted a very interesting paint workshop. Artists were invited to choose a white object to paint. there were many objects, covered in white paint to chose from. Hats, Fruit, Suitcases and shoes as blank canvases. 

Here we see John Whelan exploring the choice of objects and making his decision.

John chooses a dapper white shirt to transform.

Painting gets underway.

John paints the shirt in his unique style, a series of lines, dots in bursts of colour.

The finished piece.

John Drawing in Palacio de Cristal

John visited the botanical gardens, Palacio de Cristal. Each glass house had a different climate suitable to the plant life. Here we see John doing observational studies. 

Dance Workshop in La Matadero, Madrid

One of the highlights of the trip for John Whelan was when a guest contemporary dancer facilitated a workshop. Artists had the opportunity to draw the dancer. observe and participate. John relished this experience and performed also.

John Whelan and Itziar, an artist from Colectivo Debajo del Sombrero collaborate in an improvised contemporary dance piece. 

John Whelan Participates in an Installation Workshop, La Matadero, Madrid

John explored new techniques and materials in this workshop facilitated by Colectivo Debajo del Sombrero, where artists worked together to create an installation out of masking tape. It started with spontaneous placement of masking tape and evolved as the artists joined in and even featured within in the installation. 

John Whelan drawing with masking tape around John Keating, fellow Cork artist.