John Tierney

John Tierney, Solo Exhibition - Cool brio - 6 March  – 29 March 2013. Private preview 5th March 2013

The Horsebox Gallery in partnership with The Osborne Studio Gallery. 2 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8JU

The Horsebox Gallery in partnership with The Osborne Studio Gallery are delighted to present John Tierney’s first British Solo exhibition in Knightsbridge. Criminology professor, musician and painter John, with his cool brio of David Hockney and enigma of Edward Hopper brings to London the blue skies, colour and light of his beloved America. 

As though dazzled but not fazed, Tierney’s paintings outstare the urban and wilderness challenge. In 2011 Tierney exhibited Paul Smith’s store on Melrose, LA. “The first time I saw John Tierney’s work I was so impressed by his skill. I love the photo realist feel to his work and am really pleased to be able to show it at my shop, which in fact he has featured in a lot of his paintings!” Paul Smith.  The leading fashion designer liked one of John’s paintings pink Hollywood store so much he turned one into a sell out silk scarf.

 Like the world Tierney depicts, there’s noir, glamour and brilliance in these images from Los Angeles, New York and the desert.

Until recently John Tierney lectured in criminology at Durham University in the north east of England. He has published a wide range of articles and books, though latterly his research has focused on criminological theory and its historical context and, in terms of substantive research, the links between alcohol and crime and disorder. His more recent books are: Key Perspectives in Criminology, 2009 (published by Open University Press, and Criminology: Theory and Context, 2010 (now in its 3rd edition, and published by Longman).

Retiring from the university in 2010 meant that more time could be devoted to oil painting. Much of his work takes the urban landscape of Los Angeles, New York, Helsinki, and the desert landscape of Joshua Tree National Park as its subject matter. He greatly respects and is influenced by the works of Edward Hopper and David Hockney, and his work has attracted a steady following of private collectors and admirers around the world.

Throughout his academic career, along with painting John maintained a keen interest in playing the guitar and songwriting. In 2009 he recorded and released an EP of his original songs entitled ‘The Silence and the Stars’, and performed live at Hotel Café in Hollywood along with other musicians such as Tom Morello, Perry Farrell, Ben Harper, and Cypress Hill.
John divides his time between his home in England and visiting his 3 sons in Los Angeles, New York, and Helsinki.