Sharon O'Malley was born in Galway in 1957. The seed of her fascination with the world of myth was first planted in a cruise she took, aged 12, which visited the famous sites of Delphi, Athens, Ephesus, and Knossos.

When she grew older, she revisited these and other ancient sites, in both Europe and Asia, and immersed herself in the literature of the subject. As she began to make her way as an artist she found that the rich source material of mythology enabled her, as she said in one interview, “to follow Orpheus in seeking harmony and perfection of form”.

Her work reveals connections and resonances between images derived from classical, Greek, pagan, and religious sources. She also found parallels between mythic subjects and the issues of our own time. Themes and motifs recur and echo each other between the worlds of West and East, pagan and Christian, old and new. O’Malley did not make literal portrayals of mythological subjects but used them as a source material and springboard for her painting.

Solo shows of her work included a major retrospective of her work at the Galway Arts Centre, Galway (2012); where other solo shows were previously held (2004, 1991, 1982); Norman Villa Gallery, Galway (2007); Kenny Gallery, Galway (1998); and The Project Arts Centre, Dublin (1992). She participated in the RHA Annual exhibitions on numerous occasions and group shows at Draiocht, Blanchardstown (2001); and Ormeau Baths Gallery, Belfast (1997).

Her work is held in the collection of The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon, as well as The Office of Public Works (OPW), numerous other public bodies and Municipal collections and also by private collectors in Ireland and abroad including those of art critic, Bruce Arnold and the late John Hunt.

Sharon O'Malley passed away in 2012.