Aloysius O’Kelly was born in Dublin but moved to London at a young age. In 1874 he became one of the first Irish artists to study at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he received his training from Orientalist painter Jean-Léon Gérome and Léon Bonnall. O’Kelly was also one of the initial Irish artists to spend time painting in Brittany, where he met Jules Bastien-Lepage.
During the 1880s he was appointed specialist artist to the Illustrated London News, and travelled around Irela
nd as a political illustrator highlighting the Land League. O’Kelly is possibly best known for his painting depicting Northern African scenes – a popular subject among European Romantic painters. In an unusual move, O’Kelly emigrated to New York in 1895 and changed his name to Arthur Oakley. Following this he continued to visit and exhibit in France, as well as in Chicago, Milwaukee and New York where he was a member of the Watercolour Club.
Aloysius O’Kelly featured in Adam's loan exhibition 'The French Connection' (2010). Please click here to view the catalogue.
Hi work also featured in 'Ireland: Her People and Landscape' (2012). Please click here to view the catalogue.
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