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“All there is is what appears to be happening as you read these words. No self nor other. No time nor space. No right nor wrong. No meaning or purpose.”
An Artistic Journey Shaped by Multidisciplinary Roots
Shane Reilly‘s artistic journey is as complex and multifaceted as his creations. Born in the early 1980s, he has traversed various disciplines, including fine art, photography, music, and video production. Originally a practicing architect and a scientific investigator in the biopharmaceutical field, Shane’s diverse background significantly influences his art. His studies in architecture, fine art, photography, sound engineering, and film provide a rich tapestry of skills that he weaves into his technical drawings and fine artworks. These experiences have endowed him with a unique blend of precision, creativity, and an understanding of complex systems.
Shane’s foray into art began at a young age, encouraged by his parents who recognized his talent and supported his early education in fine art. His artistic expressions have always been deeply personal and often centered around the message of radical non-duality. This message, as articulated by English author Tony Parsons in his book The Open Secret, posits that all there is is what appears to be happening right now, without any beliefs in awareness, consciousness, or a teacher imparting knowledge to a student. While Shane had extensively studied Dzogchen non-meditation within Tibetan Buddhist and Bön traditions in India and Nepal, he later stumbled upon this uncompromising radical non-dual message through Jim Newman, a follower of Tony Parsons. This profound realization permeates his work, challenging viewers to question their perceptions of reality, self, and existence.
Shane’s initial reluctance to publicly exhibit his work stemmed from a sense of imposter syndrome, but this changed over time. His first public presentation in 2010 and subsequent exhibitions, particularly a pivotal one in 2017, marked his transition to a professional artist. His art, music, and videos reflect a deep engagement with existential themes, influenced by his meditation practice and the radical non-dual message he embraces.
Shane Reilly: An Evolution from Existential Angst to Artistic Liberation
Shane Reilly’s work is profoundly shaped by his personal experiences and philosophical explorations. Meditation, which he first encountered at thirteen, became a cornerstone of his life and artistic process. Initially skeptical of organized religion and spirituality, Shane’s journey led him through periods of existential angst, influenced by thinkers like Nietzsche, Camus, and Sartre. These philosophical inquiries deepened his exploration of life’s meaning, evident in works like “The Sisyphean Struggle” and “No Exit.”
A significant turning point came after personal tragedies and professional challenges. The economic recession in Ireland in 2008 and the loss of a close family member profoundly affected him. These experiences led him to reengage with meditation, particularly Dzogchen, a practice emphasizing the illusory nature of the self. His travels to Peru, Bolivia, Nepal, and India further deepened his understanding and practice of Dzogchen and other meditative traditions, influencing his art profoundly.
In Nepal, Shane experienced a profound shift during a Dzogchen retreat, which he describes as an intense realization of the self’s illusory nature. This experience, along with subsequent meditative practices in India, transformed his perception and artistic output. After encountering the uncompromising radical non-dual message delivered by Jim Newman and engaging in a few one-on-one phone calls with Jim and Tony, Shane’s perspective underwent a significant transformation. His work began to reflect this new understanding, aiming to convey the concept of radical non-duality. These profound experiences are echoed in pieces like “Girls with Balloons in Chivay” and “Flamingo Walking,” capturing fleeting moments of perceived reality.
Creating Without Boundaries: Shane Reilly’s Artistic Style and Themes
Shane Reilly’s artistic style defies easy categorization. As a mixed media artist, he employs various mediums, from traditional fine art materials to unconventional ones like his own blood. This eclectic approach allows him to choose the medium that best suits the message of each piece, whether it be pencil or ink drawings, wood carvings, digital art, or music. His process is intuitive, allowing the art to evolve organically, free from predefined themes or styles.
The primary aim of Shane’s work is to provoke thought and evoke strong emotional reactions. His themes range from radical non-duality and the sacred versus the profane to explorations of humanity and the natural world. Despite the diversity of subjects, the underlying message often points to the illusion of self and the interconnectedness of all things. His work challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions and engage with deeper philosophical questions.
Shane’s workspace is as varied as his artistic output. It includes traditional art supplies, digital tools, and musical instruments. His process of creating art with blood for the upcoming book Ikhṓr: Ballads In Blood—a collaboration with the award-winning poet and author Hamant Singh—exemplifies his dedication to pushing boundaries and exploring new methods of expression. In this project, Shane produces a piece of art with his blood inspired by each of Hamant’s poems. The book, set for release next year by Hidden Hand Press, demonstrates his commitment to creating art that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Shane Reilly: Inspirations and Impactful Artworks
Influences on Shane Reilly’s work are as diverse as his mediums. He draws inspiration from a wide array of artists, photographers, and musicians, including Salvador Dalí, David Choe, and Sonic Youth. These influences are evident in his eclectic style and the bold, provocative nature of his art. His refusal to pigeonhole his work allows him to continuously explore new territories and maintain a dynamic, evolving practice.
One piece that holds special significance for Shane is Salvador Dalí’s “Swans Reflecting Elephants.” This early encounter with Dalí’s surrealist masterpiece inspired Shane to pursue art with a sense of awe and creativity. The piece encapsulates the transformative power of art and its ability to evoke profound emotional responses, a quality that Shane strives to achieve in his own work.
Shane’s projects extend beyond visual art. Earlier this year, he released a classical music LP, showcasing his multidisciplinary talents. He is also working on an animated feature film exploring radical non-duality, which is scheduled for release next year. Additionally, he plans to form a punk band and continue his solo music projects, further demonstrating his versatility and passion for creative expression. Each project reflects his ongoing commitment to exploring complex philosophical themes and pushing the boundaries of conventional art.
