Jan 2020: Looking Back, Looking Forward: A Decade in Contemporary Abstract Art

It’s the 3rd of January, and I’m sat in my studio, reflecting on the last decade of making contemporary abstract art. That “then and now” moment we all seem to have at this time of year has crept in.

From Visual Diary to Paint Surface

To stir the memory, I pulled out my visual diary from 2010—my final year as a Fine Art student in Ireland. I was deep into patterns and motifs back then, hugely inspired by artists like Beatrice Milhazes. But as I turned the pages, I could see a shift. By the end of the diary, names like Christopher Wool, Charlene Von Heyl, and Fiona Rae were appearing. I was beginning to move towards what would eventually become the core of my practice—contemporary abstract art rooted in the physicality of paint and mark making.

Remaining True to the Work

While so much has evolved in the past ten years—new studios, new cities, exhibitions, residencies—what struck me most in that quiet moment was this: the essence of my practice hasn’t changed. I’m still investigating the same questions around gesture, surface, and the push-pull between control and spontaneity.

For those collecting or exploring original abstract art, it’s interesting how you can often see a through-line in an artist’s body of work—this was mine. That core curiosity has remained constant, even as the form and scale of my work have grown. This is a welcomed reflection.

A Glimpse Into the Studio

As an emerging Irish artist now based in London, I’m continuing to develop a body of work that merges process with place —drawing inspiration from the Irish coastline and natural movement. My studio is both a workspace and a space of investigation, where layered mark-making and material exploration inform each painting.

For those who love to see the work behind the work, I always enjoy sharing glimpses into the studio—there’s a kind of intimacy and honesty there that connects people to the piece, whether they’re seasoned collectors or new to art collecting.

Looking Towards 2030

So, what’s next? I’m curious to see where this thread will take me by 2030. How far can I push this language of paint and surface? How can I continue to evolve while staying grounded in the ideas that first sparked my practice? Let’s see what appears on my canvas!

Aisling

Image: At my first solo show at 5th Base Gallery just off Brick Lane, East London, 2017