About Fintan Whelan
Links
Education
1990 - 1994
DIT Repro Master
1986 - 1989
DIT Mountjoy Sq. Dip. in Graphics
1985 - 1986
Dún Laoghaire School of Art & Design
Awards
2015
Unusual Spaces
2014
Artslant Prize
2014
Finalist of "Electric Bodies" Showdown at SaatchiArt
Upcoming events
Event: Venice Art Biennale 2026
Dates: May 9, 2026 - Nov. 20, 2026
I will return to Venice with another large-scale art installation as part of Personal Structures, which will be on view just around the corner from the Rialto Bridge.
Event: The Unique Show
Dates: April 23, 2026 - May 17, 2026
I will be participating in a show alongside Cuban artist Roldán Lauzán Eiras. This show will highlight 15 large-scale canvases of mine, curated by Andreas Hoffmann.
Event: Listen to the Sea Speak
Dates: March 7, 2026 - March 22, 2026
My next solo exhibition in South Korea is being held under the patronage of the Irish Embassy in Korea and is supported by Culture Ireland.
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Previous events
Event: RAIFAA Artist Residency
Dates: Dec. 22, 2024 - Jan. 4, 2025
I was invited to participate in a two-week Art Residency in Barwara (India). My paintings created during this residency will be exhibited and sold exclusively in the AMOHA Art Gallery in New Delhi.
Event: Elysian Encounters
Dates: Oct. 1, 2024 - Oct. 31, 2024
I'm delighted to accept an invitation from CICA Museum to participate in their CICA Art Studio Residency Program. I'll be working in their facilities for the full month of October. The work created during this residency will be showcased in a solo show held for this purpose by CICA.
Event: Toxisch
Dates: Sept. 26, 2024 - Nov. 4, 2024
Annual Exhibition of BBK, Göttingen
Event: World Art Dubai
Dates: May 2, 2024 - May 5, 2024
Represented by Artist Culture Art Consultancy
Event: Affordable Art Fair Berlin
Dates: April 12, 2024 - April 14, 2024
Represented by Kunsthaus Artes
Event: Kaleidoscope
Dates: April 9, 2024 - April 14, 2024
My work in a group show in Le Marais, Paris
Event: Bellini Museum
Dates: Dec. 28, 2023 - Jan. 10, 2024
Groups show with two large canvases of mine.
Event: Beijing Contemporary Art Expo
Dates: April 29, 2023 - May 1, 2023
One of the Largest China's Contemporary Art Expo Opens, to Build a New Structure of Art Market in Post-Pandemic Era. My work will be presented by Yudian Art Gallery.
Event: Affordable Art Fair Battersea, Spring 2023
Dates: March 9, 2023 - March 12, 2023
Some of my latest canvases presented by Caiger Art Contemporary
Event: Nature 2023
Dates: Feb. 22, 2023 - March 12, 2023
I will be participating with two paintings from my Faces of Water Series.
Event: INVENTING COLOR VS. BLACK & WHITE
Dates: Jan. 21, 2023 - March 4, 2023
Group show featuring two of my paintings alongside with works from Andy Warhol, Heinz Mack, Ruri Matsumoto, Gerhard Richter, Fabian Gatermann, Imi Knoebel, Marion Eichmann & Christian Awe.
Event: Symphony Of Nature
Dates: Dec. 9, 2022 - Dec. 11, 2022
Solo show in one of the most beautiful buildings of historical centre of Göttingen
Event: Inventing Color
Dates: Nov. 12, 2022 - Jan. 21, 2023
Some of my most recent work can be viewed in the beautiful gallery space of Artes Berlin, featured alongside with pieces from Gerhard Richter, Andy Warhol, Imi Knoebel and Heinz Mack.
Event: Fragil
Dates: Oct. 8, 2022 - Nov. 13, 2022
"Lucid Hour" 2021
Event: Fire Walk with Me
Dates: Sept. 23, 2022 - Sept. 29, 2022
International art exhibition curated by Antonio Manfredi and Adelinda Allegretti. I am delighted to be invited to show my latest diptych "Among the Flames I & II" in this public venue dedicated to contemporary art.
Event: The Other Art Fair, LA
Dates: Sept. 22, 2022 - Sept. 25, 2022
After 2 years, I will be returning to LA and showcasing my latest collection of canvases created this summer.
Event: ART IS LOVE MADE PUBLIC
Dates: Aug. 21, 2022 - Nov. 25, 2022
Group show showcasing four of my larger canvases created earlier this year.
Event: Großstadtgarten II
Dates: July 30, 2022 - Sept. 3, 2022
Der Sommer bei ARTES Berlin wird wieder leuchtend und farbenfroh mit Werken, die an einen heißen Sommertag am Meer, im Garten oder am Pool erinnern. Wir präsentieren u. a. Arbeiten von Imi Knoebel, Alex Katz, Fintan Whelan, Christine Müller und Alex Krull.
Event: New Gallery - Contemporary Art Exhibition
Dates: June 30, 2022 - July 14, 2022
Featuring my work along with the pieces by Paul Wright, Nick Veasey, Derrick Santini & Robi Walters
Event: Design Shanghai
Dates: June 9, 2022 - June 12, 2022
Represented by Yudian Art Gallery / Hangzhou
Event: "Personal Structures" Venice Biennale
Dates: April 23, 2022 - Nov. 27, 2022
Prestigious international art project, which will document current developments and thoughts around the philosophical concepts of Time, Space and Existence, running concomitantly with the next 59th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. I am delighted to be invited to participate in this event and have my work featured alongside with many most-celebrated contemporary artists.
Event: Shenzhen Creative Week
Dates: March 17, 2022 - March 20, 2022
Represented by Yudian Art Gallery/ Hangzhou
Event: Affordable Art Fair Battersea, Spring 2022
Dates: March 9, 2022 - March 13, 2022
My work will be presented by Caiger Art Contemporary
Event: Discovery Art Fair
Dates: Nov. 5, 2021 - Nov. 7, 2021
10 m2 dedicated to showcase my latest works
Event: Inner Outer World
Dates: Oct. 8, 2021 - Oct. 11, 2021
Joint show with Luc Villard and Jean Nagai in Shanghai's Xintiandi district
Event: AAF Summer Exhibition
Dates: July 23, 2021 - Aug. 9, 2021
Delighted to be one of the selected 30 artists and represent Caiger Art Contemporary in this event.
Event: Design Shanghai
Dates: June 3, 2021 - June 6, 2021
My work at this world´s most prestigious design event featured by Yudian Art Gallery
Event: Transcending Reality
Dates: March 28, 2021 - May 15, 2021
My work featured in 300 qm of gallery space in the cultural district of Xihu, Hangzhou. I am excited to start my cooperation with Yudian Art Gallery and hope to be able to share more exciting news with you very soon.
Event: Affordable Art Fair Global Edition
Dates: March 24, 2021 - March 27, 2021
Selection of my large horizontal canvases will be shown by Caiger Art Contemporary. Further details will follow shortly.
Event: Umwege
Dates: Oct. 10, 2020 - Nov. 17, 2020
My larger canvases to be seen in a curated show of Göttingen´s main public gallery.
Event: Affordable Art Fair Battersea 2020
Dates: March 11, 2020 - March 15, 2020
Delighted to start my cooperation with Caiger Contemporary Art (London), who will be featuring my work at this event.
Event: Red Dot Miami / Art Basel Week
Dates: Dec. 4, 2019 - Dec. 8, 2019
Meet me and see my work during the prestigious Art Basel Week in Miami this year. My large canvases on show via Steidel Contemporary in Wynwood Arts District.
Event: THE AUCTION COLLECTIVE
Dates: Dec. 3, 2019 - Dec. 7, 2019
My work will be showcased in a group show and accompanying art action in the hearth of London
Exhibition
3-7 December | 10 am - 6 pm
Candid Arts, 3 Torrens St, London (EC1V 1NQ)
Auction
7 December | 3 pm
Event: Zwischenräume
Dates: Nov. 23, 2019 - Dec. 30, 2019
My larger canvases to be seen in Göttingen´s main public gallery.
Event: The Other Art Fair Brooklyn
Dates: Nov. 7, 2019 - Nov. 10, 2019
I am excited to be selected for this event and feature my work on 32 ft long wall space. Hence, the visitors can expect to see some of my larger horizontal canvases alongside with my typical 40´x 40´ formate.
Event: The Other Art Fair London
Dates: Oct. 3, 2019 - Oct. 6, 2019
After my successful fair in 2018, I will be returning to Victoria House with my latest selection of works, some of which can be also seen at 508 Gallery later this summer.
Event: ArtMotion
Dates: June 27, 2019 - July 4, 2019
Being approached at TOAF in Chicago, I will now show some of my latest works in a group show at Orchard Gallery NYC.
Event: Palm Beach Show
Dates: June 6, 2019 - June 27, 2019
My 4 latest works to be seen in this lovely gallery space at Palm Beach
Event: The Other Art Fair Chicago
Dates: May 16, 2019 - May 19, 2019
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Event: Affordable Art Fair Hampstead
Dates: May 8, 2019 - May 12, 2019
Represented by 508 Gallery, Chelsea
Event: Traces in the sky
Dates: April 4, 2019 - April 20, 2019
Solo show showcasing collection of my 10 latest 100 x 100 cm canvases exclusively available at 508 Gallery
Event: The Other Art Fair
Dates: March 28, 2019 - March 31, 2019
Curated art fair showcasing selection of my 10 latest 100 x 100 cm canvases
Event: Affordable Art Fair Battersea
Dates: March 7, 2019 - March 10, 2019
Represented by 508 Gallery
Event: Art Palm Beach 2019
Dates: Jan. 16, 2019 - Jan. 20, 2019
Represented by "Steidel Contemporary" my most recent works will be showcased at this prestigious and internationally recognised venue
Event: RESIDENT ARTISTS EXHIBITION
Dates: Dec. 1, 2018 - Dec. 22, 2018
My newest works will be showcased in a group show of 508 Gallery resident artists.
Event: Discovery Art Fair
Dates: Nov. 2, 2018 - Nov. 4, 2018
Represented by L´artiste Gallery, Vilnius
Event: The Other Art Fair
Dates: Oct. 4, 2018 - Oct. 7, 2018
UK's favourite fair to meet and buy art direct from the very best emerging artists handpicked by a committee of art industry experts.
Event: The Other Art Fair
Dates: July 26, 2018 - July 29, 2018
Returning to Bristol in Summer 2018 The Other Art Fair will present 100 of the best emerging artists handpicked by a committee of art industry experts.
Event: Summer Settings: The Art of Interiors
Dates: June 27, 2018 - July 1, 2018
Exhibition curated by Yohan May showcasing the best in Art and Interior Design.
Event: 40 x 40 Künstlerhaus
Dates: May 26, 2018 - July 1, 2018
Group show with my 40 x 40 canvases
Event: Affordable Artfair
Dates: May 10, 2018 - May 13, 2018
Represented by 508 Kings Road Gallery, Chelsea
Event: Bring spring into Chelsea
Dates: April 20, 2018 - April 28, 2018
Preview of most recent works by selected 508 Kings Road Gallery artists
Event: London Design Week
Dates: March 4, 2018 - March 9, 2018
Life interview and showcase of my most recent works during this very prestigious design event: http://dcch.co.uk/?page=London-Design-Week-2018-Press-Release
Event: Synthesis
Dates: Feb. 10, 2018 - March 3, 2018
For his very first solo exhibition in London, the Irish artist and Artfinder bestseller, Fintan Whelan is exhibiting a selection of his recent work at 508 Kings Road Gallery. The value of Fintan's art doubled in the past year, making him one of the most sought after international artists.
The title of the exhibition – Synthesis – suggests both a work process and an accumulation of Whelan´s creative efforts. The content of his paintings allude to his living environment in the broadest sense, where any kind of objects or any kind of sensations somehow creep into the paintings. This exhibition is an exploration of how the fragility of pictorial illusion subsists amid a world of contingencies. In a contemporary visual culture in which images flood and overwhelm us, Whelan's aim is to re-establish our sense of images as elusive, mysterious and hard-won.
Event: Christmas Pop-up
Dates: Dec. 4, 2017 - Dec. 21, 2017
Selection of my latest artworks curated by award-winning designer Karin Verzariu will be shown at Black & Key´s showroom together with Britain´s finest exquisitely hand-crafted furniture.
Event: Zwischen Betrachter und Künstler
Dates: Nov. 18, 2017 - Dec. 30, 2017
My painting "Changing Light" is shown until the end of December in Lichtenberg Haus in Göttingen. I am happy to be one of selected artist in this show.
Event: Artfair
Dates: Oct. 27, 2017 - Oct. 29, 2017
Represented by Galerie Luzia Sassen, my works will be shown at Innovative Art Fair 2017 in Ruhr.
Event: The London Pancakes & Booze Art Show
Dates: Oct. 6, 2017 - Oct. 7, 2017
London's Premier Underground Art Show featuring 60 Local Emerging Artists
Event: FOCUS Show
Dates: Sept. 11, 2017 - Sept. 16, 2017
Delighted to have my work selected for the autumn´s Focus Show at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre/ London. My will work be in a very good company with Britain´s finest interior design.
Event: Blue
Dates: July 30, 2017 - Sept. 10, 2017
"You don't have to travel around the world to understand that the sky is blue everywhere." Goethe
30 of my most recent works will be show in a historical venue of "Wasserscheune" in Adelebsen.
Event: Lichtenberg Series
Dates: June 1, 2017 - July 2, 2017
Solo exhibition featuring my most recent works exploring branching, tree-like patterns of Lichtenberg Figures.
Event: Einfach ohne alles
Dates: April 29, 2017 - May 16, 2017
Group Exhibition: Fintan Whelan (Paintings), Dorothee Reichelt (Paintings), Jana Rusch (Paintings) and Lief-Erik Voss (Sculptures), during Art Cologne 2017
Event: 100% Abstract
Dates: Feb. 1, 2017 - April 29, 2017
Two of my paintings: Tranquility and Synapse will be displayed. For more information, please see also: www.ledameartgallery.com
Event: Artrooms2017
Dates: Jan. 20, 2017 - Jan. 23, 2017
Set within the elegance and glamour of the Meliá White House, ARTROOMS is an interactive showcase of today’s most thought-provoking, mind-bending and awe-inspiring artists, carefully selected from across the globe by a panel of leading industry experts, art critics and buyers. This is London’s unique opportunity to come and scout art news and trends from all over the world.
Event: Wavelenght
Dates: Jan. 15, 2017 - April 23, 2017
Solo exhibition in a beautiful historical venue in the city of Kassel
Event: Annual Exhibition of Federal Association of Fine Artists, Germany
Dates: Oct. 15, 2016 - Nov. 13, 2016
Exhibition curated by BBK, Lower Saxony showing the works of selected artists in Göttingen´s main public gallery
Event: Kunstmesse Kassel 2016
Dates: Oct. 7, 2016 - Oct. 10, 2016
The biennial art show taking place in a prestigious Documenta venue.
Event: Leafy Secrets, Hidden Legacies
Dates: Aug. 5, 2016 - Aug. 14, 2016
I am very excited to announce that my work was selected and will be shown at Rothe House (Kilkenny, Ireland) during the Kilkenny Arts Festival that gathers many of the world’s finest musicians, performers, writers and artists in Ireland’s medieval city each August.
Event: Artfair - ART SANTA FE 2016
Dates: July 7, 2016 - July 10, 2016
Represented by Gaudí Art Gallery, Madrid (Spain), selection of my most recent works will be shown at ART SANTA FE 2016.
Event: Whole Art Exhibit
Dates: June 27, 2016 - July 7, 2016
Gallery Bottega d'Arte Merlino is an independent cultural association based in Florence that concentrates on the most prominent contemporary art trends.
Event: Portfolio Presentation
Dates: June 3, 2016 - July 1, 2016
Projection of 70 artworks selected from my portfolio on Big Screen Plaza‘s 30 ft. HD outdoor screen, located behind the Eventi Hotel on 29th Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan. Big Screen Plaza curates a year-round selection of on-screen programs and series, featuring emerging artists and animation, to local lifestyle films and beyond.
Event: 10 years of 4 hour art
Dates: Dec. 20, 2015 - Dec. 22, 2015
Group Exhibition to celebrate 10 year anniversary of 4h Art Gallery
Event: In Wirklichkeit
Dates: Nov. 25, 2015 - Dec. 6, 2015
Joint exhibition with Natalia Wehler
Event: Annual Exhibition of Federal Association of Fine Artists, Germany
Dates: Nov. 18, 2015 - Dec. 28, 2015
The works of selected artists from Lower Saxony will be shown in Göttingen´s main public gallery
Event: The Art of Selfie
Dates: Nov. 3, 2015 - Nov. 14, 2015
The pop up exhibition and interactive space hosted by King & McGaw in the tunnels of Old Street Station in London.
Event: Sweet´Art Summer Festival
Dates: Aug. 21, 2015 - Aug. 31, 2015
Group exhibition curated by Shannon Rose.
Event: Flow
Dates: Aug. 1, 2015 - Oct. 31, 2015
Group exhibition curated by Cate Cheng showcasing a selection of artworks by celebrated artists from UK, China and Germany
Event: Unusual Spaces
Dates: July 16, 2015 - Sept. 16, 2015
Installation of a 6-metre-long sailcloths featuring well-known brows of great thinkers
Event: Art`pu:l 2015
Dates: June 4, 2015 - June 7, 2015
From June 4 until June 7 2015, the art'pu:l will for the 5th time present contemporary international art in the beautiful historical factory buildings of the rolling mill Pulheim.
The successful union between the curated and exclusive field of participants and the extraordinary atmospheric location is confirmed by a steadily growing number of visitors. By now, the fair with its more than 100 participating artists, both national and international, is an established event in the Rhineland's art scene.
Event: Flow Paintings
Dates: Jan. 10, 2015 - Jan. 31, 2015
Solo Exhibition
Event: Glimmer Paintings
Dates: Oct. 11, 2014 - Oct. 29, 2014
Solo Exhibition
Event: Begegnung
Dates: Sept. 27, 2014 - Oct. 31, 2014
Solo exhibition
Event: Herbst Collection
Dates: Sept. 15, 2014 - Oct. 31, 2014
Solo Exhibition
Event: Der/die/das Fremde (The Strangers)
Dates: July 21, 2014 - Aug. 7, 2014
Solo Exhibition
Event: Fliesende Schichten (Flowing Layers) - InterView III
Dates: May 21, 2014 - June 15, 2014
Solo Exhibition combined with an interview
Event: 100 x 4h-art: Rückblick - Ausblick
Dates: April 7, 2014 - May 26, 2014
Group Exhibition
Event: Beautiful Losers
Dates: Oct. 22, 2013 - Oct. 27, 2013
Solo Exhibition
Event: Begegnung
Dates: Sept. 23, 2013 - Oct. 27, 2013
Joint exhibition with Regina Korbel (sculptures)
Event: Reflections
Dates: June 14, 2013 - July 28, 2013
Solo Exhibition
Event: Dall'Acqua Nasce L'anima
Dates: July 7, 2012 - July 27, 2012
Group Exhibition
Event: Kunst im Quartal
Dates: Feb. 2, 2010 - Feb. 28, 2010
Guest artist
Event: Faces, Traces and other Spaces
Dates: Nov. 17, 2009 - Jan. 18, 2010
Solo exhibition
Event: Chemical Life
Dates: May 7, 2006 - June 21, 2006
Solo exhibition.
Event: ‘Luz y Espacio’
Dates: Feb. 3, 2005 - April 14, 2005
My first solo exhibition
Biography
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."
Lou-ann Albiol-Ducos (ALMINE RECH GALLERY): "The artworks presented by Fintan are a stunning exploration of colour, fluid shapes, and intricate texture. The artist’s use of a dynamic colour palette—ranging from vivid blues and greens to warm reds and oranges—creates striking contrasts that pull the viewer in. The abstract shapes seem to flow organically, suggesting movement and depth, giving the impression of suspended fluidity. The texture in these pieces appears smooth yet multi-layered, implying a complex interplay of mediums. Fintan's greatest strength lies in his ability to evoke emotion through fluid forms and captivating colour dynamics. My favorite piece, 'Natural Rhapsody', exemplifies this beautifully. The soft blend of muted purples, yellows, and earthy tones creates a mesmerising, dreamlike quality. The shapes seem to flow effortlessly across the canvas, capturing movement and organic elegance. This piece showcases the artist's remarkable control over texture and composition, bringing both harmony and complexity to the forefront. It embodies the unique visual language that defines the entire portfolio—bold, expressive, and deeply evocative."
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.
