Contagious Emotions

Contagious Emotions is a solo show by the painter and poet John Joseph Sheehy arranged by murmurART through the kind support of Lovells. Sheehy’s highly expressive style, heavy brushstrokes, explosive colours and thick-laid paint easily catch hold of the viewer like the laughter alluded to in his choice of title. Playful and childlike iconography abounds as their form bears witness to the newfound freedom of expression that painting has offered him. But Sheehy’s title also points to his mental condition – to emotions that are uncontrollable or uncontainable, to a sick emotional state. Painting is a contagious act for Sheehy, it is something he has to do, even on the rare time that he does not want to do it. “This is the only outlet,” he says, “this paper has been able to understand and comfort me.”

John Joseph Sheehy started painting ten years ago at the suggestion of his councillor as a means to alleviate his ongoing mental health condition. The success of this idea has lead to the discovery of a genuine and complex artistic voice and a truly prodigious creative output; around a thousand poems and over a hundred canvases, amongst other artistic mediums now fill his house. His first book of poetry, “Take a Walk in Here,” was published in 2004 by the Poetry Monthly Press, and last year he graduated with a Fine Art degree from the University of East London, and had his first solo show in the Novas Gallery in Camden Parkway.

murmurART exists to select and promote the most exciting emerging art currently being produced in the UK, and to support the emerging artists behind it. Based online, murmurART also pursues a programme of ‘roaming exhibitions’ in new and innovative spaces around London, working with corporate offices, retail spaces as well as disused buildings, with the intention of interacting with different contexts and brining the best emerging contemporary art to new audiences. Please check the website for details of future events.