Siobhan O’Connor is an illustrator, fine artist and designer originally based in Boston where she received a BFA in illustration at Massachusetts College of art and Design. Siobhan received her MFA in painting at New York Academy of Art. Her work is influenced by the honesty and vulnerability of the people that she surrounds herself with. She uses her personal experience and voice to visually discuss topics concerning relationships, sexuality and political issues. 

“I believe it’s important to depict the rawness of intimacy and when I say that I mean it is vital to embrace the awkward, the uncomfortable and the quiet, as well as the chaotic moments that we all experience. I do this in a way that defies gender roles and goes against hetero-normative narrative depicted in mainstream media. Working with people that I am close to allows me to capture these authentic moments of being human. 

I see color as a translation for emotions. To be so literal when trying to speak to the viewer can be redundant, but to convey a feeling without visually describing the narrative in its entirety is where true connection lies. When describing a surface, whether it be flesh or fabric, I paint with urgency trying to capture how that moment felt above how it looked, I want to harness that sense of fleeting.”

CV – Siobhan O’Connor