Sean McDowell

Sean McDowell is an emerging, German-born artist based in Melbourne (Naarm). Working across painting, drawing and exhibition-making, McDowell’s practice is inspired by his interests in biology, microscopy, neuroscience, psychology and spirituality. His abstract works are located at the intersection of art and science, drawing on subject matter that has been informed by collective narratives and lived experiences of disease and illness. Through his artwork, he is particularly interested in confronting the repercussions that emotional distress and physical violence have on human behaviour, thought patterns and other aspects of day-to-day life. Embodying a strong sense of hope and optimism for the future, Sean’s work provides a message intended to inspire growth and healing.

McDowell was recently a recipient of a 2025 City of Melbourne Annual Arts Grant and was shortlisted for the 2025 Bayside Painting Prize. His work is held in public, private and corporate collections throughout Australia and internationally in the USA, Singapore, Germany and the Netherlands.

McDowell holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Sculpture and Spatial Practice), Victorian College of the Arts, 2018 and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (First Class Honours), Victorian College of the Arts, 2020