Joel Simon

Biography

Joel Simon was born in Belgium, where he studied Fine Art at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts de Liège before later living in the United States and England. He eventually settled in Belfast, Northern Ireland, whose urban landscape became a lasting inspiration for many of his paintings.

Before dedicating himself fully to painting, Joel Simon enjoyed an internationally renowned career as an animation director, receiving more than 50 international awards and collaborating with distinguished figures such as Seamus Heaney and Billy Connolly.

Over time, he transitioned into oil painting, developing a distinctive style characterised by cinematic compositions, expansive cityscapes, atmospheric light, and stylised figures. His work combines the narrative quality of film with the technical precision of classical painting, creating contemporary realist works with a powerful emotional presence.

Joel further refined his practice through the study of traditional oil glazing techniques at The Florence Studio, alongside alla prima painting with Russian artist Arthur Gain. This blend of classical training and cinematic storytelling has become central to his artistic identity.

His work has been acquired by international collectors and selected for exhibition by prestigious institutions including The Royal Academy London, The Royal Ulster Academy, The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, and The Royal Scottish Academy, as well as numerous group exhibitions throughout the UK and Ireland.

Explore original Joel Simon paintings for sale, including contemporary realist urban landscapes and figurative oil paintings. Renowned for their cinematic atmosphere, refined technique, and distinctive visual language, his works appeal to collectors seeking both technical mastery and emotional depth. Discover original Joel Simon artworks available at Signet Contemporary Art and online.

“My paintings reveal the beauty and depth of everyday moments, as seen through a cinematic prism.I explore the symbiosis between public spaces and private life, inviting the viewer to glimpse the quiet poetry of personal moments often drowned out by the noise of modern existence. My compositions depict contemporary urban environments which are populated by lone enigmatic characters, and emotionally charged scenes— in a style often described as Narrative Realism. In my work, the architecture of the modern metropolis takes a leading role alongside the human figure. I’m drawn to the visceral energy of the streets and the voyeuristic tension that arises as indoors and outdoors begin to blur. My background in filmmaking has profoundly shaped my painting practice. An atmosphere of Film Noir runs through my work, with its dramatic lighting, contrasting hues, and a certain ethereal quality that speaks to the emotional undercurrents of urban life..”- Joel Simon