Simon Kenny is a globally recognized contemporary abstract artist whose lyrical abstraction paintings have captivated collectors and art enthusiasts across international galleries for over two decades. This Irish abstract artist has evolved from a childhood spent using art to escape a world of trauma into a celebrated career spanning over 100 solo exhibitions and numerous awards, establishing him as a leading voice in cosmic abstract art and modern abstract expressionism.

Simon Kenny’s artistic journey began at age four in Dublin, Ireland, when he discovered an innate ability to become completely absorbed in drawing. This wasn’t merely childhood creativity—it represented a profound sanctuary and therapeutic artistic expression that would define his identity as a professional abstract painter.

During formative summers in the South of France spent with his grandparents, Kenny received crucial art education from his grandfather, a practicing artist. These classical drawing foundations included:

• Perspective drawing techniques
• Charcoal and pastel work
• Color theory fundamentals
• Traditional composition methods

The psychology of art creation became apparent early on. Following his father’s death and the turmoil at home, art emerged as both refuge and emotional expression through abstraction. This relationship between trauma and artistic healing would become central to his mature work, demonstrating how art serves as a form of daily therapy.

By age eleven, Kenny’s artistic experimentation expanded dramatically when he discovered oil painting techniques. His creative curiosity drove exploration of multiple mediums including acrylics, watercolors, mixed media, and early contemporary painting methods including air brushing and graffiti.

Remarkably, at eleven, Kenny received an art college invitation, an extraordinary recognition of his emerging artistic talent. However, being a rebellious soul won out with Kenny choosing self-directed artistic learning over formal education which only fostered the innovative abstract style and creative independence that defines his work today.

Kenny’s teenage years featured darker art themes reflecting his psychological landscape. These emotionally charged artworks served as vital psychological expression, demonstrating early understanding of art’s therapeutic benefits and emotional impact.

Following his artistic education, Kenny deliberately explored other professional avenues including carpentry, property development and bespoke furniture design. This period enriched his artistic perspective through:

• Three-dimensional creation skills
• Material properties understanding
• Craftsmanship appreciation
• Form and function mastery

This diversification demonstrates Kenny’s philosophy that artistic inspiration emerges from varied life experiences, with stepping away from art actually enriching an artist’s technical mastery.

The 2008 financial crisis catalyzed Kenny’s full return to professional art creation. This period marked his most productive and acclaimed artistic phase, developing his signature lyrical abstraction style.

Kenny’s mature artistic technique combines soft, luminous underpaintings with bold, textured surface applications, creating what he describes as “stories unfolding in real-time.” This innovative painting process involves:

Advanced Layering Techniques:

• Atmospheric underpainting effects
• Strategic oil and acrylic combinations
• Palette knife texture applications
• Transparent glazing methods

His colour psychology expertise creates emotional landscapes that resonate subconsciously with viewers. The technique of applying bold, opaque paint, then gently layering thin, transparent applications creates dimensional depth and temporal complexity.

Cosmology and Universal Themes:

His fascination with cosmology influences abstract art significantly. Paintings often reflect cosmic imagery—nebulae energy, galactic contemplation, and tremendous natural forces including superstorms and geological phenomena. This cosmic inspiration translates into colour choices and compositional structures evoking universal vastness.

Psychology and Human Behavior:
Early interest in psychology profoundly shapes artistic exploration. Kenny’s work investigates emotional landscapes, subconscious expression, and questions fundamental to human experience. This psychological approach creates works functioning as emotional mirrors for viewers.

Musical Influence and Synesthetic Creation:
Music plays a vital role in Kenny’s creative process. Studio practice involves carefully selected ambient and electronic music, particularly works by Jon Hopkins, Nils Frahm, M83, and Hans Zimmer. This creates synesthetic art—paintings translating rhythm, harmony, and emotional crescendos into visual form.

Professional Art Materials

• Museum-quality oils and acrylics
• Archival canvas and pigments
• Professional-grade mediums
• Conservation-approved varnishes

His commitment to archival art materials ensures longevity and investment value for collectors. Palette knife techniques create sculptural textures, while understanding light behavior within paint layers produces internal luminosity.

Kenny’s artistic inspiration draws from diverse intellectual sources reflecting his cosmic perspective.

Cosmology and Universal Themes:
His fascination with cosmology influences abstract art significantly. Paintings often reflect cosmic imagery—nebulae energy, galactic contemplation, and tremendous natural forces including superstorms and geological phenomena. This cosmic inspiration translates into colour choices and compositional structures evoking universal vastness.

Psychology and Human Behavior:
Early interest in psychology profoundly shapes artistic exploration. Kenny’s work investigates emotional landscapes, subconscious expression, and questions fundamental to human experience. This psychological approach creates works functioning as emotional mirrors for viewers.

Musical Influence and Synesthetic Creation:
Music plays a vital role in Kenny’s creative process. Studio practice involves carefully selected ambient and electronic music, particularly works by Jon Hopkins, Nils Frahm, M83, and Hans Zimmer. This creates synesthetic art—paintings translating rhythm, harmony, and emotional crescendos into visual form.

• Consistent exhibition history and gallery representation
• International collector base spanning multiple markets
• Technical excellence using museum-quality materials
• Unique artistic voice within lyrical abstraction movement
• Growing market recognition and critical acclaim

For art collectors and investors, Kenny’s paintings offer both aesthetic satisfaction and appreciation potential. Works are particularly suited for corporate collections and sophisticated residential spaces where atmospheric qualities create transformative environmental effects.

Kenny’s artistic philosophy centers on abstract art functioning as emotional architecture—creating contemplation spaces for psychological exploration. His creative process involves what he describes as “artist alchemy” transforming raw emotion, cosmic wonder, and creative energy into tangible expression.

Each painting represents a journey of discovery rather than a predetermined outcome. As Kenny explains: “The painting tells you when it’s finished, and not a moment before.” This demonstrates understanding that successful abstract art creation requires balance between technical control and creative surrender.

Large-Scale Commissions: Current work includes triptych and diptych compositions exceeding 3.6 meters wide , requiring ladders, specialized tools, advanced painting techniques and what Kenny describes as a “Full Body Workout”.

International Collectors: Ongoing commissioned pieces for collectors in the United States and Europe demonstrate growing global market demand.

Musical Integration: Parallel exploration of music production, particularly ambient and EDM compositions, creates feedback loops influencing painting rhythm and atmospheric effects. With approaching two years of practice Kenny’s musical production aligns perfectly with his visual art.

Simon Kenny’s contribution to contemporary abstract art extends beyond individual artworks to encompass broader questions about consciousness, creativity, and human connection. His work demonstrates that abstract art remains vital in an increasingly digital world, offering authentic emotional experiences driven by a life lived.

His artistic legacy includes demonstrating how personal trauma transforms into universal beauty, how scientific curiosity informs artistic expression, and how traditional craftsmanship evolves into contemporary relevance.