Gavin O'Donoghue

I am a Dublin-based artist whose practice explores the space between contemporary painting, pop culture, memory and emotional connection. Primarily self-taught, with additional studies in life drawing and workshops at NCAD and other Irish art institutions, I create works that combine expressive colour, layered surfaces and sculptural texture to produce paintings that are both visually engaging and emotionally accessible.

My work is driven by an interest in how familiar imagery can evoke comfort, nostalgia and shared experience. Drawing inspiration from popular culture, childhood iconography, street art and contemporary painting, I reinterpret recognisable subjects through bold colour palettes, heavy texture and energetic mark-making. The physical surface of the painting is central to the experience; layers of paint build relief, depth and movement, encouraging viewers to engage with the work both visually and tactically.

A recurring focus within my practice is the creation of uplifting and inclusive imagery. Through my ongoing series My First Canvas, I explore how art can communicate through colour, shape and texture in ways that are accessible to a wide audience, including children and people encountering original art for the fi...

Creative Exchange at Irish Museum of Modern Art 2024

European Paintings: From Leonardo to Rembrandt to Goya, Universidad Carlos 111 Madrid, 2020

Life Drawing NCAD


Self Thought.
Attended life drawing with Bernie Marky in NCAD Dublin
Attended workshops in DunLaoighre College of Art, Dublin

The Front Lounge 2010 Solo Show
Dublin Pride Exhibition 2011 Group Show
UpStart Counter Election Street Art Dublin City 2011
The Annual Scoop Art Auction 2009-2012
Culture Night at The Doorway Gallery 2013
Art For ISPCC, The Mac, Belfast 2014
Art in Hospitals, permanent collection, National Children's Hospital
Somrthing About Mary, The Copper House Gallery, Dublin 2019
The Full Irish, group show, 2021, ArtClick Ireland
Hush Hush Gallery, Ireland 2021
MountShannon Arts Festival 2023
Terrence Higgins Trust Postcard Art Exhibit 2025 London
Incognito Art Exhibition and Auction 2025
Arthouse @ OutHouse 2024, Charity Art Auction, Dublin 2024.