In the rich tapestry of artistic expression, Germany-based Irish artist Fintan Whelan emerges as a captivating figure, seamlessly blending diverse influences from his multicultural background. The artist's formative years were a period of exploration, who initially pursued studies in graphic design. However, the call of the artist's life beckoned, leading him to a realisation during his time working in the publishing and print industry. A move to Germany, followed by a sojourn in Spain, marked a pivotal chapter where Fintan rediscovered his passion for art, embracing a calling that would define his artistic journey.
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 Spanish dance on his canvas - 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.
Cultural exposure plays a vital role in shaping Fintan's artistic vision. Having exhibited globally, from London to Shanghai, he finds that experiencing diverse cultures enriches his perspective. Reflecting on his residency experiences at the Chelsea Harbour Design Centre and the Pouch Cove Foundation, he acknowledges the impact of these environments on his creative process, underscoring the significance of space and atmosphere in fostering artistic spontaneity.
Fintan's multicultural background infuses his work with a universal appeal. Living across Ireland, Spain, and Germany has heightened his awareness that art transcends borders, resonating with people's shared experiences. His art, therefore, weaves the common threads that connect humanity amid its rich diversity.
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.”
Fintan stands as an artist who navigates diverse landscapes, both internal and external. His work, marked by its fluidity, spontaneity, and universal resonance, summons viewers to join him on a visual odyssey, where each canvas becomes a portal into the ever-evolving realm of creative expression. Central to Fintan's artistic narrative is the theme of transformation. His work delves into the fluidity of ideas, the ever-shifting nature of consciousness, and the perpetual evolution of one's perception. This portrays his commitment to exploring the dynamic interplay between artistic expression and the transformative power of the creative process.
"My task is to deal with space and change it on each canvas. My motivation is to explore the never-ending variations of my consciousness. “
- Artbridge magazine, Edition 2, December 2023