John Flynn is a visual artist based in Cork. His work focuses on ideas of the old and the new, through the exploration of such themes as the natural world, the otherworld, mythology and history. The rich story-telling tradition in Ireland’s folklore has always influenced his work. John Flynn aims to value and continue this part of Irish culture in new different visual representations, as well as in his own writings which often accompany the work, and blend known stories with other elements. The 32: A work in progress. This exhibition represents the half way point of a large scale project started by the artist in 2015. 16 portraits completed out of an envisaged 32. The aim of the project is to create an imaginative portrait based on each of the 32 counties of Ireland, drawing from the landscape and folklore of each county. What started as a simple idea has developed over time and the 32 is now much more than a series of portraits. In the process of completing these painting Flynn has delved into the Celtic tradition and the paintings represent a revival, or renewal of our ancient lore. The research undertaken for each painting has shed light on both well known and obscure stories from our history, led the artist on trails through forgotten woods in the search of almost forgotten stones and nurtured a sense of connection between the Ireland of today and the Ireland of the past. Breaking away from the much heard about heroes, this project brings to light the lesser known or creates new where old has faded. Each county has it’s own unique history and landscape. In constructing each portrait, the artist takes key elements of this landscape and mythology and reimagines these in the shape of a character, either a figure from one of these stories or one borne of imagination. Through this process of research and discovery, each county has unearthed a rich tradition of history and mythology which has been preserved by the story-telling tradition. The artist seeks to continue this tradition and share the knowledge gained through this series of work and the accompanying stories which he has written. Where the paintings are the visual representations of the project, the stories are the heart. These encapsulate local lore, landscapes and place names and allow the reader to enter into this world of real and reimagined mythology. Dali&Gala is a Cork City arts hub set up in a regenerated warehouse. Unit H4, Marina Commercial park,Center park road,Cork.

Delighted to announce to be working with the fantastic @daliandgala and presenting "The 32, A work in Progress" January 19th.Check the page for all the updates and details!

Finally decorated the studio, thanks Tracey for the tree! Twas a great year for the art and thank you all for the support, lets hope the new year can be just as good. All my love. John. xxx #TisTheSeasonForSuppyPints

Sunday night 32. The 32: Ros Comáin. The Morrígan. 'Welcome to Hell, you say? You; have never been to the Oweynagat! This is where i came into this world, this is where I see the world and more importantly, it is where I see you. For my eyes have travelled through the heart of this land, staring into your eyes as though I was there, standing right in front of you. The cats that walk amongst the shadows of Rathcorgan become your shadow. You have crossed their path, therefore, now you have crossed mine. You speak so loud and foolishly of your sins to the ears of many. The lambs, the ewes and the rams that freckle Seltannasaggart, bleat to me when its time for silence. From every nest to every robin, from every rookery to every crow perched upon the Boyle. A feather for everyday, your fate balanced upon a wing, ever pondering its final flight. Even the Keys gentle woods that you walk whisper to me your roots. I am not the monster you make me out to be, I am only doing what you have done. I invite you to stay with me and this invitation can only be accepted for you will see there is no "Welcome to Hell" only " Failte go dí an Oweynagat"!! -John Flynn Big thanks to the ever amazing @lisaohflynn for lending her face!#Legend 20/32

Heres a photo Mike from accountants got when the whole gang of us surprised the greatest boss ever on his birthday this morning!!! The numbers keep changing but class always stays. From all the staff here at John Flynn Art and Design, we want to say Happy Birthday to Mr no days off, the hardest worker in the room, enjoy it boss, youre class! xxx

Such a fantastic night to finally meet up with Hugh Cooney after working together in' The 32' series. Was inspiring to see a brother in arms in the trenches, doing what he loves and to have a packed house laugh at every scene, every word and give him a standing ovation for his art 'The Mustering of the Harrier' is just fuckin brilliant to see. A badarse, a legend, a ride and most importantly one of the nicest guys to have met I say to you "I would have followed you, my brother... My captain... My king". #TheMustering #SuppyPintsToBeContinued #BrothersInArms

😍😍😍😍😍 (Heavy Breathing)

Hello Spookums and Boogums!! Happy Halloween!! 🎃🎃🎃 First up on the Samhain Skateboard series is 'Súmaire'. You be an absolute blood sucker to miss this!! And for the second in the Samhain Skateboard series is 'Conriocht'. Any Werewolves out there you, you would be howling mad to miss this! AHHHHHHWWWOOOOOO Up on the store now (Link on Homepage)

A bit of pre hurricane Sunday Funday reading. The 32. Cill Dara. An Dreoílin Bán. The preaching of the White Druid: As we cherish this land we wander, we bath in the fire she has lit.As she has much to teach, we have much to learn. Let your feet soak in the bog of Allen.Let every drop flow through you from root, to leaf, to flower. Let your hands sail the green plains of the curragh as your ears succumb to the thunderous rapture of an fathach Eilc. Let your eyes feast upon the royalities, the dynasties of Dún Ailinne.To the joys, the sorrows, the vanquished and the victors of Longstone. To help when needed; to create immortality, to lend ones breath and cast those bluestones to mo chara, Merlin, across the irish sea. We are as part of our goddess as she is of us.Let her pollinate our souls. Let the the seedling she has planted in our minds grow wise like the oak, ever wanting more of her sunlight, let your leaves and branches grow. - john flynn Big thanks to my most beautiful of beauties Hugh Cooney Pure babe so give him a follow!!! #Babe

Anyone that missed my piece 'Sadbh and Fionn' at the NUAfestival last month, can now see it at The Sextant wheres its taken residence and already has a serious tab going! So get a pint and get photo with 'Sadbh and Fionn'.