Joe O'Brien (Ireland, 1993) is a Berlin based, self-taught painter who began his artistic practice in 2020. Working primarily in watercolor, gouache, and acrylic, O'Brien captures the raw aftermath of Berlin's nightlife with meticulous attention to detail. His work explores the chaotic, unfiltered environments left behind after social gatherings: focusing on the authenticity of spaces that embody the excess and disorder. Working from reference photographs taken by himself and friends, O'Brien creates an intimate connection to his subjects, documenting and interpreting the emotional residue of the city's party culture.
O'Brien approaches his practice as both observational and interpretive, blending realism with precision and distortion. Each painting invites prolonged contemplation, encouraging viewers to find familiarity within the imperfect and unguarded. His artistic vision draws inspiration from Marcos Carrasquer, whose vivid, layered style aligns with O'Brien's fascination for intimate chaos.