Shane O’Malley is a visual artist based in Galway. Coming from the graffiti scene and with a dedree in Visual communications from LSAD, Shane now produces paintings and murals which showcase his grasp on colour theory through intricate geometric compositions.
Where did you spend lockdown?
I spent it in my apartment in Galway City. I live beside the ocean so it was lovely to be near the sea during lockdown.
Did you have access to a studio during this time? If not, how did you continue to create work?
I didn’t have access to my studio so I set up a home studio in my small apartment. It was a way to stay sane and create structure in my day. I worked on new pieces and enjoyed the process of making without the pressures a defined deadline can bring.
Did you experiment with any new materials or methodologies?
I started using a sketchbook again for the first time in a few years. It was a great way to develop my ideas and look at my process. I was exploring mark making alot to create forms that I could merge with the geometric patterns and shapes I use. I haven’t shared alot of that work as it’s still developing but I hope to make it into a new body of work later in the year.
Given the limitations and restrictions of the last few months, did your art making process change at all? If so, do you think this will continue to change how you will make art going forward?
I think the main shift over the past few months of lockdown has been in my mindset. The time alone created space, I used it to look at areas of my practice that I feel are very controlled and methodical with the aim of becoming looser, especially when it comes to the forms I create.
Do you have any upcoming projects?
I will be releasing some new paintings next month with 50% of the proceeds going to support the Hope Foundation. An Irish based charity that helps and supports street children in Kolkata India.
All photographs were provided by Shane O’Malley. To see more of Shane’s work visit his website and Instagram.