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David Riley, Artist

David Riley, ArtistDavid Riley, ArtistDavid Riley, Artist

Showcasing the artwork of David Riley

Showcasing the artwork of David RileyShowcasing the artwork of David RileyShowcasing the artwork of David Riley
Portfolio

TRAILER: The Beautiful Worlds of David Riley

Inspired by pop culture, TV, and the urban landscape, a self-taught artist discovers a hidden talent for painting in his 40s. David Riley was exposed to high levels of lead as a child, which continues to impact his mental and physical health – but does his disability also fuel his creativity – and can his art help him to heal?  (2021, 15 min.)

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

"Everyone has an imagination. Imagination is a human emotion. You'll find that imagination is based on human feeling."

 - David Riley


When David Riley took up painting as a new hobby his 40s, no one anticipated that so many bright, colorful canvasses would emerge so quickly from his modest living room studio.  


Riley's paintings explode with energy and color, drawing the viewer into his vividly rendered, detailed worlds that depict environments both real and imagined.


David Riley is self-taught and hopes some day to earn a living from his artwork.  The artist lives in East Boston, Massachusetts.

SCREENINGS & NEWS

NEWS & UPCOMING EVENTS


March 2026

Vinfen Film Festival, Boston, MA


November 8 & 9, 2025 (11 am - 4 pm)

Harboring Creativity,  Institute of Contemporary Art, ICA Watershed, East Boston

Free public event featuring new work by David & over 40 other East Boston artists.



PREVIOUS FILM SCREENINGS 

Screening: ICA Watershed, East Boston, MA

November 18 & 19, 2023 | Harboring Creativity


MidCoast Film Fest, Damariscotta, ME

June 24, 2023 | Lincoln Theater


Screening: East Boston Public Library, Boston, MA

April 20, 2023 | free community screening


Newburyport Documentary Film Festival, Newburyport, MA 

September 17, 2022 | in person and on-line

*WINNER - SPECIAL JURY AWARD


Screening: Massachusetts State House, Boston, MA

October 2022 | Virtual screening & discussion for Lead Poisoning Awareness Week 

Sponsored by the office of State Representative Adrian Madaro


GlobeDocs Film Festival, Boston, MA

October 16, 2022 | Brattle Theater, Cambridge, MA

*PREMIERE


EXHIBITIONS OF DAVID'S WORK

2024 - Harboring Creativity Group Show, ICA Watershead, East Boston, MA

November 16 & 17, 2024 | Free public event featuring new work by 40  East Boston artists.


Spring 2024 - The East Boston Neighborhood Health Center acquired a piece David's art; it is now on display in their offices. Learn more about their commitment to support local artists here.


2023 - Harboring Creativity Group Show, ICA Watershed, East Boston, MA  

November 18 & 19, 2023 | Free public event featuring work from 40 East Boston artists,

Copyright © 2025 David Riley, Artist - All Rights Reserved.

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