[Co-editor at Small Night Projects] After completing an MFA in the US, Alan Phelan returned to Ireland in the mid-90s with a practice informed by conceptual photography that expanded into all media. His practice therefore includes exhibition making, both as artist and curator; critical writing in various art publications; public art projects; film making; and various attempts at participatory practice learned from the early heady days of relational aesthetics. His commitment to collaborative making found a good fit with Small Night Projects, where the exchanges between the artist editors provided a non-hierarchical and non-institutional space to commission text art from world renowned practitioners. He also continues to work as an archivist, which has shaped his relationship to truth, history and empire.

Phelan studied at DCU (1989) and RIT; New York (1994) under a Fulbright scholarship. He has had significant solo exhibitions at Casino Marino (2024); CCI Paris (2021); Void Derry (2020); RHA (2020); Dublin City Gallery; The Hugh Lane (2016) and the IMMA (2009). Gallery solos also include the Molesworth Gallery (2023); Oonagh Young Gallery (2015 and 2013); Golden Thread Belfast (2014); The Black Mariah Cork (2011) and Mother's Tankstation Dublin (2007). Group exhibitions/projects include: Self-Determination; IMMA (2023); MOE Communal (2023-24); TONE/TOLD/TEXT/TALK (2022-23); EcoShowBoat (2022-23); PhotoIreland Festival (2022 and 2021); CCA Derry (2021); Garage Rotterdam (2020); EVA International (2016); Bonn Kunstmuseum (2015); Treignac Projet (2014); Bozar Brussels (2013); Feinkost Berlin (2007); The Whitney Museum of American Art (2004). His work is included in the collections of the Irish Museum of Modern Art; The Arts Council; Trinity College Dublin; Limerick City Gallery of Art; The National Self-Portrait Collection; the Office of Public Works; Dublin City Council; and several private collections. Residencies include Wilton Park Studios RHA/IPUT; NCAD Dublin; CCI Paris; HIAP Helsinki; URRA Argentina and FSAS Dublin. Recent awards include an Arts Council Bursary (2021 and 2017); Creative Ireland MCCCS (2019); and the Hotron Éigse Art Prize (2016). Public works include DCC/Sculpture Dublin, the O'Connell Plinth Commission, City Hall (2021-23); Dublin; Void Offsites Derry (2022); Kevin Street Library (2016); Fr Collins Park (2011); IMMA formal gardens (2009).