Biography

Jonathan O’Dea is an Irish artist based in London. He is originally from Castlebar in Co. Mayo but moved to London at the age of 12 with his family in 1987.

In 1995 Jonathan attended St Martin’s art college in London where he completed a Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design. After St Martin’s, Jonathan did a degree in Irish Studies with History at London Metropolitan University.

In 2000, the Contemporary Irish Art fair in London inspired Jonathan to return to art.

In 2002 Jonathan staged his first solo exhibition in London which was supported by the Prince’s Trust. Since then Jonathan has been involved in number of group and solo exhibitions. Jonathan’s first major solo exhibition came in 2006 when he was invited to exhibit his experimental paintings at City Hall, Gretaer London Authority, which was part of London’s St Patrick’s Week Celebrations.

In 2007 Jonathan had 4 Solo Exhibitions, 2 in London, 1 in Scotland and 1 in Ireland. In January 2008 Jonathan had his first solo exhibition of the year were he was invited by Haringey Council, London to exhibit his most recent paintings. This year Jonathan was invited to sit on the Board of Trustees of 'Apex Arts', were he advises on the long-term strategy of the orgainsation. At present, Jonathan is curating a group exhibition at City Hall, part of Waltham Forest's events around the Cultural Olympiad.