About

John McSweeney is a painter of modern life and the human condition. His work draws on centuries of artistic tradition through figuration, employing allegory, symbolism, narrative, and meta-art to convey meaning. A strong thread of eclecticism runs through his practice, reflecting both his diverse interests and his education in art and science.

His recent paintings offer contemporary representations of Greco-Roman deities and heroes, reimagined as figures who inhabit the art world. While the works allude to ancient myths and legends, they also serve as meditations on prestige, wealth, and power.

2023, London Art Biennale 2023 – ICAC Art Critics Award Winner
2021, #Shape of the New, Virtual Exhibition
2017, This England and Other Edens, Martyrs’ Gallery, Lewes (solo)
2015, Capturing the Spectacle: Paintings of Modern Life, Hop Gallery, Lewes (solo)
2014, John Moores Painting Prize 2014, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
1995, Woodlands Art Gallery, London
1994, Angela Flowers Gallery, London (solo)
1991, Wolfson College, Oxford
1991, Bruton Street Gallery, London
1989, Sandra Higgins Gallery, London (solo)
1989, Camden Art Centre, London (solo)
1984, Camberwell Printmakers, Intaglio Printmaker, London
1983, Stowells Trophy, Royal Academy of Arts, London

1984-85, Postgraduate Printmaking, Camberwell College of Art
1981-84, BA Fine Art Painting, Camberwell College of Art, London
1980-81, Foundation Course, Camberwell College of Art, London

2000-2001, Diploma in Computing, The Open University
1970-73, BSc Aeronautical Engineering, The City University London

1991-94, BA Fine Art, Camberwell College (The London Institute)

2000-05 BSc Software Engineering, The Open University, Arab Open University, Oxford University, University of Hertfordshire