simon kenny

Simon Kenny's vibrant abstract compositions are a testament to a life lived with passion and resilience. With a childhood marked by profound loss and unexpected inspiration, Kenny found his voice through creation. His father, a skilled draftsman, left a creative legacy that ignited Kenny’s artistic spark.

Despite recognition and an invitation to art college, Kenny chose self-discovery, fuelled by a rebellious spirit and deep desire to break from conventional constraints. His formative years were marked by a fascination with the darker aspects of the human experience, leading to works exploring distorted figures and fractured landscapes.

Summers spent in the South of France with his grandparents provided sanctuary and rich artistic education. His grandfather, an artist himself, served as a mentor, fostering Kenny’s passion and introducing him to a world where art was a way of life.

Kenny’s artistic journey evolved through pastel, charcoal, oil, and watercolour, creating commissions and selling artwork. In his early twenties, Kenny established a successful bespoke furniture business which reignited his passion for sculpting and creative design. However, the 2008 financial crisis led Kenny back to his first love: painting.

During this period, Kenny found his voice in abstraction. His work became a conduit for his emotions, exploring themes of energy, transition, and the profound connection between humanity and the universe.

Influenced by artists like Uria Monzon (a family friend), Picasso, Bierstadt, and Turner, and inspired by cosmology and the mysteries of existence, Kenny’s work is a vibrant expression of his personal journey.

Music also plays a vital role in his creative process, shaping his emotional landscape and guiding his artistic expression. Kenny's work captures the essence of life's transitions, from joy to grief, and the powerful forces shaping our existence.
Working primarily in oils and acrylics, with forays into enamels and watercolours, Kenny has achieved significant recognition, with over 100 solo exhibitions, numerous awards, and commissions in corporate spaces. His work has graced album and book covers and has been featured in many art and local magazines, finding collectors worldwide.

Simon Kenny’s art is more than just a visual experience; it’s an invitation to explore the depths of human emotion and the boundless expanse of the universe.