Sinéad O’Donnell (b. 1975, Dublin) works in performance, installation, site and time-based art. Based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Sinéad O’Donnell studied sculpture at the University of Ulster in Belfast, textiles in Dublin and visual performance and time-based practices at Dartington College of Arts in England.

Sinéad O’Donnell’s work explores identity, borders and barriers through encounters with territory and the territorial. She sets up actions or situations that demonstrate complexities, contradictions or commonality between medium and discipline, timing and spontaneity, intuition and methodology, artist and audience. She utilises photography, video, text and collage to record her performances. She often uses her body to investigate both her own and cultural boundaries, particularly in relation to the restrictions placed on women. Despite deliberately avoiding the sensationalisation of the body, her works often promote strong reactions and emotions.

The practise of Sinéad O’Donnell's art and life is nomadic. Travel has broadened her cultural perceptions and influenced her artistic sensibilities regarding time and space. Besides being a nomad, she is also active in Belfast’s local performance art scene, working as a member of Bbeyond and with other organisations to foster performance activity and supporting emerging artists in her community.

Along with Poshya Kakl, Efi Ben-David and Vlasta Delimar, she was one of the artists of PAVES crossing zones initiated by Anne Bean. She was lead artist and curator for CAUTION, a two-year project of five international artists that was a part of the nationally-funded festival London 2012. Over the last few years, Sinéad O’Donnell’s recent work has been presented at international festivals, galleries, culture centres and museums of contemporary art in Dublin (2016), Aberdeen (2015), Liverpool (2014), Taiwan (2014), Bangkok (2013), Zagreb (2013), Belfast (2012), London (2012) and other cities. She is currently a Flax Arts Studios artist in Belfast.

Pictures of works