Michelle O’Connor
Beyond the Obvious: A Collection of Abstract Paintings
Opening Reception — Saturday, May 10, 6-9pm | On view through May 31
Beyond the Obvious invites viewers into a layered visual experience—one that challenges perception, embraces ambiguity, and opens a portal to deeper reflection. This body of work tells stories—but not through conventional narrative. Instead, it speaks in the language of texture, shape, energy, and intuition. My abstract, expressive compositions explore the space where the visible and invisible intersect—where what we know meets what we feel, what we remember, and what we cannot fully name.
Grounded in rich physical texture, my work nods to the material world and the constructed systems that shape our understanding of reality—cultural norms, identities, and inherited beliefs. Yet woven through these elements are ephemeral threads of frequency, emotion, memory, and transformation. I aim to make the intangible visible, to represent the energetic undercurrents of our shared human experience.
Each piece is a meditation on the micro and macro aspects of existence. Symbols of containment and release, of order and disruption, emerge through line, form, numbers, and space—inviting viewers to pause and reconsider what they see and what they know. I see ambiguity not as confusion, but as fertile ground for insight. As I’ve come to believe: Ambiguity unsettles us because it asks us to let go of certainty. But it's in that discomfort where real transformation begins.
This exhibition reflects a personal and collective call to consciousness. In a world that often favors clarity, stability, and certainty, Beyond the Obvious creates space for curiosity, courage, and multiple truths. It is an invitation to question long-held perceptions and to explore the transformative power of shifting perspective.
All of the art in Michelle’s Blue Moon Collection is available for purchase.
Send inquiries to kendra@thebluemoongallery.com or text 224-388-7948
The Moment of Seeing 8x8
Echo of First Light 8x8
Glyph of the Unspoken 8x8
Trust Revealed 8x8
In the Space Between 24x24
Altars of Memory 24x24
Purification 12x12
Sacred Destruction 12x12
The Point of Origin 12x12
Air of Renewal 12x12
Winter's Wisdom 12x12
Where the Ancestors Speak 12x12
Michelle O'Connor
More About Michelle O’Connor
There are few things in life that Michelle would rather do than embark on the grand adventure of creating expressive abstract art. Her self-directed journey of making art has been a lifelong exploration of multi-media, diverse artistic styles, and fascinating techniques, all of which have opened up a multitude of creative possibilities for her.
“My passion for abstract expressionism allows me to powerfully convey emotion and movement, chaos and order, play and design, humor, and the shared human experience. My work is defined by bold colors, interesting textures, rich layers, gestural linework, and compelling compositions. I approach my art organically, tuning in to my heart and listening to my energy, allowing space for intuition and intentionality to work together. It is a balance between letting the piece reveal itself and guiding it towards a cohesive finish.
I draw inspiration from the natural world and the human experience. By tapping into universal human themes, each piece connects with viewers on an emotional level. As the layers in my work intermingle, they often unintentionally form delightful images that capture the viewer's imagination.”
Creating abstract art allows Michelle to remain in a constant state of discovery which keeps her work fresh and exciting. Each piece enables her artistic evolution and offers insight into self-discovery. She plays and builds toward a final stage where everything finds coherence through clear design. Collage elements and linework add an intriguing dimension, inviting viewers to explore each layer and detail in depth.
“My creative process is deeply fulfilling and my work reflects an ongoing inner journey.” — Michelle O’Connor