Heracles and Omphale (after François Boucher), 2017

Genieve Figgis (b. 1972 Ireland) is an Irish contemporary artist known for her distinctive paintings that blend dark humor with historical references. Figgis's work is characterized by its fluid, almost surreal style, where figures and scenes from classical art dissolve into dreamlike compositions. Her use of rich, vibrant colors combined with a loose, almost chaotic brushwork gives her work a haunting yet whimsical quality. Figgis often reinterprets traditional subjects such as portraits, aristocratic gatherings, and historical scenes, infusing them with a sense of decay, distortion, and irony. Her paintings invite viewers to question the narratives of history and the roles of the characters depicted, making her a significant voice in contemporary art. Figgis’s works have been widely exhibited and are celebrated for their unique blend of satire and beauty.