John O'Carroll's paintings and mixed media wall pieces are built on a lifetime's study of nature and the environment.
Dividing his time between his studio in Cornwall and a winter studio in Egypt, O'Carroll lives in elemental landscapes shaped by the environment over deep time. His work is influenced by Zen and Arabic calligraphy, and his practice as an archaeological illustrator in Egypt's Western Desert.
In his most recent series, Path of Water, O'Carroll presents paintings and mixed-media wall pieces. The starting point for these works is his observation of a rocky moorland stream running down to the sea, serving as both a metaphor and narrative for the human journey.
His compositions draw on a range of sources, from Japanese screens of the Edo period to the charged gestures of abstract landscape expressionism.
The Japanese concept of Ma - gap, space, pause — a concept of negative space which underpins the structure and rhythm of his recent work. These pieces explore the intersections of art, science, philosophy, history, and the natural world, offering a contemplative space for the viewer.
O'Carroll incorporates techniques and objects from the past in his work. Through his study of pigments and ancient painting techniques, he frequently uses copper leaf-a material rich in ancient symbolism. The warm tones of copper interact with a restricted colour palette to create surfaces that reflect fleeting moments of life.
He continues to exhibit nationally and internationally, with his most recent exhibition held in Amsterdam in 2024. His work is represented in public and private collections, and he is currently participating in a collaborative international project with the Mondrian Foundation (NL).
"O'Carroll's works evoke the poetic vision of William Blake, encouraging the viewer to experience the extraordinary within the ordinary and to 'hold infinity in the palm of your hand, if only for a moment.
- Nigel Ryan
