Robyn Ward was expelled from school at 15 for being ‘uncontrollable’– now the Irishman is an internationally acclaimed artist

Artist Robyn Ward has spent most of his life away from Ireland, and is most inspired by travel, but flashes of his Dublin and Belfast upbringing often surface in his work

Robyn Ward’s art is largely inspired by travel and new sights

Tanya Sweeney

Robyn Ward left his native Ireland at 18 and never looked back. Since then, he has carved out the sort of life that makes him the envy of many. As a self-confessed nomad, the 42-year-old artist has lived in many places; among them are London, Amsterdam, Bangkok, Berlin, Shanghai and Mexico City. Until he was 25, he didn’t stay in any one city for more than eight months.

Although Ward runs permanent studio spaces in London, Los Angeles, Mexico City and New York, it wouldn’t be unusual for the Dublin-born, Belfast-raised artist to set up practice anywhere.