Joel Simon's oil paintings reveal the beauty and depth of everyday moments,
through a cinematic prism.
A storyteller from a young age, Joel Simon uses his brush to compose urban environments, enigmatic characters, and emotionally driven scenes in a style often described as
Narrative Realism.
In his work, the architecture of the modern metropolis takes a leading role alongside the human figure. There is a visceral energy of the streets and a voyeuristic apprehension as the indoors and outdoors meld together.
Manipulating this tension between the public and the private, Simon invites us to look in on the beauty of those personal moments which are often overshadowed by the cacophony of the city.
Simon's formation as a filmmaker has played a visible influence on his painting practice.
An aura of Film Noir echoes throughout his compositions with the dramatic casting of lights, contrasting hues, and the ethereal quality of his brushstrokes.
This juxtaposition of period references and contemporary settings imbues Joel Simon's work with a timeless essence.
BIO
Joel Simon originates from Belgium where he studied fine arts at the Académie Royale de Liège before living in the USA and England. He has resided in Belfast, Northern Ireland since 1995.
Prior to painting, he worked in the film and animation industry as a director,
winning over 50 international awards, and collaborating with renowned artists such as
Seamus Heaney, Richard Curtis, and Billy Connolly.
Returning to his roots in Fine Arts, Joel became increasingly fascinated by narrative oil paintings which he creates with his characteristic cinematic compositions and stylised poses.
Joel studied the traditional oil glazing techniques of old masters at the Florence Studio with internationally renowned American artist Joshua LaRock, and alla prima painting with Russian artist Arthur Gain.
His work has been purchased by international collectors and has been selected by the Royal Ulster Academy, The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, the Royal Scottish Academy and various group exhibitions in the UK and Ireland.
Exhibitions and Awards
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Shortlisted for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, London 2025
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Representation by the Jorgensen Fine Art Gallery, Dublin, Ireland, February 2025
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Longlisted for the Jackson's Fine Arts Competition 2025
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Representation by the 1608 Fine Art Gallery, Bushmills, Ireland, January 2025
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Solo exhibition ‘Urban Dreams’ Artisann Gallery, Belfast May 2024
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Solo exhibition ‘In Vogue’ Emporium Gallery, Belfast February - March 2024
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Solo exhibition ‘Night & Day’ Atypical Gallery, Belfast December 2023 - January 2024
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Selected for the 2023 Royal Scottish Academy Annual Exhibition
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145th Dublin Painting & Sketching Club Annual Exhibition 2023
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Gallery 545 Contemporary Art of Northern Ireland Group Exhibition, Island Arts Centre 2023
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D31 Spring Group Exhibition, Doncaster England 2023
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Selected for the 2022 Royal Birmingham Society of Artists Annual Exhibition
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Gallery 545 Contemporary Art of Northern Ireland Group Exhibition, Island Arts Centre 2022
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139th Royal Ulster Academy, Ulster Museum Oct 2020-Jan 2021
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Selected for the 2020 Kings House Art Gallery Stratford-Upon-Avon Annual Exhibition
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138th Royal Ulster Academy, Ulster Museum Oct 2019-Jan 2020
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Solo exhibition ‘Faces of Belfast’ featured as part of Belfast International Arts Festival 2019
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136th Royal Ulster Academy, Ulster Museum Oct 2017-Jan 2018
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La Menagerie’ Group Exhibition, Belfast 2015
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Selected to represent Northern Ireland at the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad
Winner of 2023 American Art Awards / Category ‘Landscape with Life’
Shortlisted for The 2023 New Emergence Art Prize, UK
Finalist of the International Arts Collide Painting Competition 2024
Shortlisted 2023 Visual Arts Open International
IDA Arts & Disability Awards in 2016 & 2020