Joy O'Brien

My art serves as an outlet and form of self love, allowing myself to take up space through experimentation and discovery. Navigating mental health and identity are underlying themes central to my work.

As a way of processing feelings and emotions, my practice oscillates between the childlike expression of intuitive painting and the powerful narrative of collage. I'm often guided by my materials, altering them as if to reveal recognizable truths of our inner selves. Other times I embrace the curiosity of erratic marks and strokes, the risk of smothering them with obsession, and the courage to build layers upon layers until perfect imperfection emerges—a metaphorical expression of self acceptance and the ability to love ourselves unconditionally.

As a self-taught artist, I'm continuously inspired by the simplicity of tools and materials at my disposal to create meaningful art. Since early on, my work combines a mixture of acrylics, house paint, oil pastels, and collage from my collection of antique photographs, postcards and ephemera.

I am a self-taught artist with a background in UX research and design, currently living in Milwaukee, WI.

2023 | FRESH40 Inaugural Group Exhibition | Shorewood, WI

2019 | The Other Art Fair | Mana Contemporary, Chicago, IL

2019 | 39th Annual SECURA Fine Arts Exhibition Juried Event | The Trout Museum of Art, Appleton, WI

2017 | 30x30x30 Exhibition | Var Gallery, Milwaukee, WI

2016 | Terror Chic, Group Show | Milwaukee, WI

2012 | Hover Craft | Milwaukee, WI

2011, 2008, 2007 | Made in Milwaukee | Milwaukee, WI

2007 | Make a Promise, Live Art Auction Benefit for AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin | Milwaukee, WI

2006 | Terror Chic, Group Show | Milwaukee, WI

2006 | The Bird Show with dwellephant | Design Within Reach, Milwaukee, WI