River of Essence II Painting

Fintan employs a distinctive method of painting, an alchemical blend of pigments, oils, and various media. This approach, marked by spontaneity and rawness, captures the essence of his creative philosophy. With colours performing a kaleidoscopic dance on his canvases - that imitates the fluid nature of consciousness. The interplay of light and texture emerges as a signature element in his work. Through this nuanced exploration, he seeks not to imitate nature but to draw inspiration from it, creating a bridge between the familiar and the novel in his artistic expression. Abstraction takes centre stage in the artist's oeuvre, providing a canvas for non- figurative exploration. Yet, he challenges the traditional notion of abstraction, viewing it not as a label but as an inherent part of every artistic process. His abstract artworks, rich in emotional depth and intellectual resonance, invite viewers on a journey into the unknown, echoing Mark Rothko's assertion that "a painting is not a picture of an experience but is the experience." Fintan Whelan was born in Dublin and has spent his adult life in Ireland, Spain and Germany (his current home). He is a resident artist at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre (London), CICA Museum (Seoul) & Pouch Cove Foundation (Newfoundland, Canada). His Water Dance Series was featured in a large installation in Palazzo Bembo during Venice Art Biennale in 2022.