Martin E. O'Connor
At 45
2018
oil on canvas
44" x 34"
(b. 1972 – Cleveland, OH) Martin E. O’Connor’s photorealistic paintings feature the color, treatment of perspective, and chiaroscuro of the Old Masters. While O’Connor’s style and technique may be based in traditional practice, the figures in his artwork are distinctly contemporary. His subjects wear graphic tees and hoodies, sport sunglasses and modern haircuts, yet maintain Renaissance like postures with thrones replaced by armchairs and royal scepters by occupational tools. In this painting, a seminal and painstakingly executed mid-career masterpiece, O’Connor presents a portrait of himself in his Cleveland Heights Firefighter’s uniform.
O’Connor received a BFA from the Cleveland Institute of Art. He has exhibited throughout the Cleveland area, including at Case Western Reserve University, River Gallery, and Bay Arts. O’Connor has taught art classes and workshops for over twenty years and is currently a firefighter with the Cleveland Heights Fire Department.
From the nominating artist:
“I chose Martin O’Connor because his work is amazing and not well known. I always try to take a peek at his work when there is a studio sale and purchased one of his smaller pieces. He works full-time as a fire fighter and does not have the time or inclination to promote his work. I am thrilled with the opportunity to be in this show and for Martin to have his work displayed in such a well regarded setting!”
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MIKE MEIER >>> DARIUS STEWARD >>> DAVID KING >>> MARTHA CLIFFEL >>> MARTIN E. O'CONNOR
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MARTIN E. O'CONNOR KRISTEN CLIFFEL JAMES WAITE BRINSLEY TYRRELL HILDUR ÁSGEIRSDÓTTIR JÓNSSON ELI GFELL