Daniel Connolly
he/him
The Anatomy of Those Strange and Peculiar
This body of work explores the intricacies of queer identities, with a particular focus on the relationships queer people have with their bodies. The work attempts to unpack these dynamics in various ways. Many of the paintings depict intimate spaces- bedrooms, bathrooms- inviting the viewer to see the figures in a state of vulnerability. This is emphasised through the use of eye contact: when the figures are most exposed, their gaze is often averted, heightening the sense of privacy and tension.
The work is primarily informed by my own lived experience as a queer person, as well as conversations with others in the queer community. Made in series, the paintings explore similar concepts in a variety of contexts, allowing the viewer to connect with the figures across multiple scenarios, highlighting the humanity within these figures as opposed to painting them as abnormal.
Lethargy 1, oil on canvas, 125 x 100cm
Disparate, oil on canvas, 32 x 45 cm, 45 x 50 cm, 42 x 50cm, 25 x 90cm
No Body 1, oil on plywood, 56 x 58cm
No Body 2, oil on plywood, 35 x 73cm
No Body 4, oil on plywood, 56 x 58cm
What One Sees, oil on canvas, 24 x 30cm
NCAD Works 2025 exhibition, installation view
NCAD Works 2025 exhibition, installation view