About us
“My present work is a synthesis of what I have learned, along with an active imagination and an intrigue into the contemporary world about us.”
-Sean Anthony O’Connor
Who are we
We are a Community Interest Company (CIC) based on the life and work of the late artist, Sean O’Connor. Sean suffered from mental health throughout a large part of his later life but showed tremendous talent through his artwork. SOCArts, founded by close friend Patrick Byrne in collaboration with Claire Byrne and Zoe Parker – aims to raise awareness on mental health challenges and the benefits the Arts have on such artists. We are a platform where art enthusiasts, and ‘up and coming’ artists can showcase their work and their story; just as Sean has done so.
The website allows visitors to purchase, not only prints of Seans work – but also pieces from other talented artists. Mental health awareness is at the heart of everything we do as Sean used art as a form of expression and release. SOCArts aims to inspire and promote the benefits ‘the Arts’ has on mental health issues, through collaborations and partnerships with other organisations that share the same ethos.
This collection of Sean’s work closely reflects the fluctuations in his mind and shows some parallel to his mental health. Sadly the last year of work we have in the collection is 2013 which seems to be the downward spiral of Sean’s mental wellbeing.
It was only subsequent to Sean’s passing, and the family entrusting custody of the collection to friends, that the extent of his work and Sean’s true talent was realised.
We hope that by sharing Sean’s story now others will be inspired and feel confident to share their work and this can be a platform of growth for young artistic talent.