Patrick O’Reilly

Monumental public commissions have made O'Reilly's sculptures cherished elements of local landscapes, particularly in his native Ireland, where prominent pieces stand outside the O2 Centre and on Grafton Street in Dublin.

Patrick O'Reilly's Art Style

Patrick O'Reilly transitioned from being an entrepreneur to becoming an artist. His personality and humor are evident in his distinctive bronze sculptures, where he frequently draws on the animal kingdom to convey his fears and feelings about life. By using the beloved, whimsical figure of the bronze Teddy Bear, he delves into these deeper, often darker themes.

Casting sculptures is both dangerous and highly skilled, and although O’Reilly is deeply involved in every stage of the process, the artisans at the Dublin Art Foundry are an essential part of the work. Acknowledging their importance, O’Reilly began commissioning bears from them to help support the struggling foundry during the 2008 recession.

Exhibitions of Patrick O'Reilly's Works

O'Reilly’s work is found around the globe, including in Paris and Cape Town. He has exhibited extensively, with solo shows in France, Canada, China, and Ireland. In the UK. The Mayor Gallery has hosted several exhibitions of his work.

His pieces are part of significant international collections, including the permanent collections at the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin and the Greek Museum in Athens.