Born in the suburban landscape of South County Dublin in 1967, Shane Rafferty has emerged as an exciting and intriguing force within the realm of contemporary Irish art, reshaping the boundaries of visual expression and conceptual depth. Shane got his first taste for public recognition at the tender age of twelve when he won first prize in the ‘Texaco Children’s Art Competition’ in the seventies for his Tolkienesque woodland scenes and psychedelic magic toadstools. As a professional musician, Shane’s creativity knows no bounds. Having played in several Irish rock bands since the nineties, Shane’s love of music continues to be a great source of inspiration for his artistic endeavours. Influenced by both Impressionism and Abstract Expressionism, Shane has successfully honed his individualistic contemporary style that is both timeless and cutting-edge. Incorporating collage and mixed media, using various materials such as paper, fabric, or found objects, Shane adds texture and depth to his contemporary compositions. Through his creative use of form and colour, Shane’s more recent works subtly hint at spectre-like characters embarking on their odyssey against surreal backdrops. Other works depict urban and coastal landscapes, capturing the fleeting and atmospheric qualities of the skies. Phantasmagorial silhouettes in dark tones against a bright background resonate with emotional depth and intellectual inquiry, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a world of intricate imagery. Bold, provocative, and thought-provoking, Shane’s art is gaining increased notoriety and interest due to his uncompromising originality and artistic vision.
