Joan Coen Art

Joan Coen began her artistic journey as a self-taught painter.

 She describes herself as having been ‘startled’ into painting by experiencing the vivid beauty of a marsh marigold on the banks of the River Barrow, near where she lives in Carlow.

She works in oils from observed sources in her environment, finding inspiration in the ordinary, and in the human figure.

Her practice is concerned with painting’s capacity to create  a sense of ‘Presence’, and  to convey thought and emotion.

In 2014 she was awarded a ‘master’s in fine art’ from the National College of Art and Design, Dublin.

Her painting project earned high praise from critics.

 In these expressive works she highlights the emotive  power of colour, the sculptural quality of the paint and the joy of creation.

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‘She has elevated the humble still life to the position of painting as philosophy… [she] goes straight to the essential place of painting itself and the relation of painting to life and thought…the quiet force of the work succeeds in presenting painting that is vital and of this time.’

Robert Armstrong, Head of Painting, National College of Art and Design

 

‘A painter to be reckoned with, shows first-rate work.’

Aidan Dunne, The Irish Times

 

‘Her paintings create a mystical communication between the viewer and the canvas…She is a poet and artist who is philosophical, feeling and gifted.’

Dr Proinsias Ó Drisceoil, author and critic

 

‘I first saw Joan Coen’s work at the Éigse Art Festival in 2009 and I thought it stunning,her new work is equally stunning.I consider her painting of the human  figureas having the same intensity ,rawness and courage as that of an Auerbach or Kossoff.’

James Kehoe, Art Collector

 

Originally from Ballyferriter in west Kerry, Joan has lived in Carlow for many years. As Siobhán Ní Shíthigh, she has published four collections of poetry in Irish with Coiscéim, and her story An Bhó Riabhach (2004), won the Eilís Dillon Award for a work of literature for children.