Artist of the Month, May 2023 - Farhad O’Neill

Farhad O’Neill is a Visual Artist from Unionville in Ontario, Canada. Farhad graduated in 1991 with a BA degree in Fine Arts (Music). However, he has pursued a passion for sculpture and visual arts. Following graduation, he travelled extensively throughout Europe. He moved to Ireland in 1995, whereupon he opened a studio and spent the next 10 years living and working in Belfast.   During this time, he exhibited widely, had works purchased for public/private collections, and received commissions for public works in many countries. In 2004, Farhad returned to Canada from where he has continued to develop his practice and career.

Hao/Goodness – Title Mnemonic is part of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s art collection. It is one of three similar bronze pieces in the collection that derive from the artist’s interest in mnemonics, which is the practice of using objects to trigger memories. The pieces are inspired particularly by the writings of Matteo Ricci and his use of four Chinese ideograms, on which this series of sculptures are based. Each sculpture takes the form of a bronze bas-relief. The actual visuals of the bas-reliefs are heavily influenced by Irish history and politics, as well as by Farhad’s readings of the Divine Comedy, Catholic imagery, and ultimately by his own art practice.

Further information about Farhad and his work can be found at www.farhadsculpture.com