Famous Irish Artists

Grace Gifford was an accomplished Irish artist and cartoonist known for her talent and creativity. She was actively involved in the Republican movement and used her artistic skills to support the cause. Her work often reflected her strong political beliefs and passion for Irish independence. Grace's artistry and dedication to the movement made her a respected figure within the Republican community. Additionally, her marriage to Joseph Plunkett in Kilmainham Gaol symbolized her unwavering commitment to the cause, even in the face of personal sacrifice.

Michael Craig-Martin is a prominent contemporary conceptual artist and painter known for his influential role in nurturing the Young British Artists movement. He is recognized for his conceptual masterpiece, An Oak Tree, and as an emeritus Professor of Fine Art at Goldsmiths. Craig-Martin has had a significant impact on the art world, both through his own work and his mentorship of emerging artists. His memoir, On Being An Artist, provides valuable insights and advice for aspiring artists, showcasing his dedication to supporting and shaping the next generation of creatives.

Neil Harbisson is a prominent cyborg artist and activist known for being the first person with an antenna implanted in his skull. He gained international recognition for his pioneering work in cyborg art and technology, with his antenna allowing him to perceive information through audible vibrations. In 2010, he co-founded the Cyborg Foundation to advocate for cyborg rights and support individuals interested in cyborg enhancements. He later co-founded the Transpecies Society to empower those with non-human identities and promote self-design freedom.

Patricia Cockburn was a multifaceted professional known for her work as a writer, traveler, conchologist, and artist. She gained recognition primarily for her journalism, showcasing her skills as a talented writer. Later in her career, she transitioned into the realm of art, particularly renowned for creating intricate shell pictures. Cockburn's diverse professional pursuits reflected a creative and curious spirit, enabling her to leave a lasting impact through her contributions in journalism and the visual arts.

Sean Scully is an accomplished artist known for his work as a painter, printmaker, sculptor, and photographer. He has gained international recognition with his pieces displayed in museums worldwide and has been nominated for the Turner Prize twice. Transitioning from Minimalism to Emotional abstraction, Scully's work emphasizes metaphor and spirituality in art. Alongside his artistic career, he has also been involved in academia, lecturing and teaching at various universities. His writings and teachings have been compiled in the book "Inner: The Collected Writings and Selected Interviews of Sean Scully."

George Augustus Moore was a versatile Irish writer known for his work as a novelist, short-story writer, poet, art critic, memoirist, and dramatist. Initially aspiring to be a painter, he studied art in Paris and developed close relationships with leading French artists and writers. Considered a naturalistic writer, Moore was one of the first English-language authors to embrace the teachings of French realists, particularly Émile Zola. His work had a significant impact on James Joyce and solidified his reputation as a pioneering figure in modern Irish literature.

John Lavery was an accomplished Irish painter recognized for his expertise in portraiture and wartime scenes. Throughout his career, he gained a reputation for his skillful portrayal of individuals and his ability to capture the essence of significant historical events. His work often depicted the impact of war, showcasing a unique perspective on the human experience during times of conflict. Lavery's paintings continue to be celebrated for their emotional depth and artistic quality, solidifying his legacy as a talented and influential artist.

William Orpen was an Irish artist based in London, known for his skillful draughtsmanship and portrait paintings for the wealthy in Edwardian society. During World War I, he was a prominent official war artist on the Western Front, creating powerful artworks depicting soldiers, casualties, and prisoners of war. Despite his prolific output and significant contributions to the war art genre, Orpen faced criticism from some quarters and experienced a decline in recognition after his death, with a revival of interest in his work beginning in the 1980s.

John Butler Yeats was an accomplished Irish artist known for his portraits in oil and works on paper. His works are held in the National Gallery of Ireland, with notable pieces including a portrait of his son William painted in 1900. His masterpiece is considered to be the portrait of John O'Leary from 1904. Yeats' professional life was marked by a dedication to portraiture, with his skill and artistic vision earning him recognition in the art world.

Jim Fitzpatrick is an accomplished Irish artist renowned for his intricately detailed creations influenced by the rich artistic heritage of Irish Celtic tradition. While he is recognized for his elaborate works, he gained widespread fame for his iconic two-tone portrait of Che Guevara, crafted in 1968 from a striking image captured by Alberto Korda. Throughout his professional career, Fitzpatrick has left a lasting impact on the art world with his unique blend of Celtic inspiration and political subject matter, solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in contemporary art.

Stacia, known mononymously, is an Irish performance artist/dancer who gained prominence for her work with the rock band Hawkwind. Her professional life is characterized by her captivating performances and unique dance style that added a visually dynamic element to the band's live shows. Stacia's presence on stage brought a sense of theatricality and mystique to Hawkwind's performances, making her an iconic figure in the world of rock music during her time with the band.

Paul Kane was an Irish-born Canadian painter known for his depictions of Western indigenous life. Largely self-educated, he trained by copying European masters during a study trip through Europe. Undertaking two voyages through the Canadian northwest, he sketched and painted First Nations and Métis peoples. His field sketches served as visual documents of indigenous life, later translated into over one hundred oil paintings in his studio. Kane's work, considered a part of Canadian heritage, followed the principles of salvage ethnography, though his studio pieces often featured dramatic embellishments.

John Luke was an Irish artist who studied at the Slade School of Art in London, under Henry Tonks. He won scholarships and awards for his work, showcasing his talent in exhibitions. He established himself in the art world in London before returning to Belfast due to the economic downturn. He continued to exhibit his work and remained active in the art scene, even spending time in County Armagh during the Second World War.

Charles Jervas was an Irish portrait painter, translator, and art collector during the early 18th century. Known for his skill in capturing the likeness and character of his subjects, Jervas gained recognition for his portrait paintings. He was also noted for his translations of literary works, contributing to the dissemination of important texts. His expertise in art and language made him a prominent figure in the cultural scene of his time, leaving a lasting impact on the art world through his diverse talents.

William Mulready RA was an Irish genre painter who lived in London and gained recognition for his romanticized portrayals of rural scenes. He is renowned for his contributions to the creation of Mulready stationery letter sheets, which were issued concurrently with the Penny Black postage stamp. Mulready's professional career was marked by a focus on genre painting and a distinctive style that captured the charm and beauty of rural life, solidifying his reputation as a talented and influential artist during his time.

Evie Hone was an Irish painter and stained glass artist known for her pioneering work in cubism. She is best known for her stained glass creations, with notable pieces including the East Window in the Chapel at Eton College and My Four Green Fields in the Government Buildings in Dublin. Hone's work in stained glass, particularly her depiction of the Crucifixion and other religious themes, showcases her talent and skill in this medium. Her contributions to art continue to be celebrated and admired.

Stella Steyn was an accomplished Irish artist known for her innovative and expressive works. She had a prolific career, creating a diverse body of art that showcased her unique style and vision. Steyn gained recognition for her use of bold colors and dynamic compositions, which often depicted scenes from everyday life with a touch of surrealism. Her art was celebrated for its emotional depth and technical skill, earning her a reputation as a respected and influential figure in the art world.

Harry Kernoff was an Irish genre-painter known for his depictions of Dublin street and pub scenes, landmarks, landscapes, woodcut illustrations, portraits, and set designs. Throughout his career, he showcased a deep connection to Dublin, capturing the essence of the city through his work. Kernoff's artistry extended beyond traditional genres, demonstrating versatility and creativity in his diverse portfolio. His contributions to the art world have left a lasting impact, solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in Irish art history.

Nathaniel Hone the Younger was an Irish painter known for his detailed and realistic portraits, landscapes, and genre scenes. He was greatly influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite style, focusing on intricate detail and vibrant colors in his works. Hone established himself as a prominent artist in Ireland, exhibiting his paintings at various prestigious galleries and receiving critical acclaim for his skillful technique. His works often depicted everyday life and the beauty of the Irish countryside, capturing the essence of the time period with precision and elegance.

Nathaniel Hone the Elder was a renowned master painter of miniatures and portraits, known for co-establishing the Royal Academy. Most of his professional life was spent in London, where he gained recognition for his artistic skills. He created controversial works such as "The Conjurer," which was seen as a direct challenge to the prominent artist Sir Joshua Reynolds. Hone's talent and innovative approach to painting earned him a respected place in the art world, solidifying his legacy as a significant figure in art history.