About Me
Mark O’Connor Bowles is a British Bolivian artist whose deep sensitivity to nature has found expression through both painting and music from an early age. At twelve, his first Waterlily painting was displayed in the invitation for an Art Exhibition in Bolivia. His art was also admired in Maryland, USA, but he has definitely developed his artistic practice in London UK.
He pursued formal piano studies at University in the United States while continuing private instruction in painting. In 2020, he relocated to London where he started his Disney collection.
In 2023 – 2024, Mark focused his creative attention on Victoria boliviana, a species native to Bolivia and beautifully displayed at the Water Lily House. In 2022, experts from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, scientifically verified its Bolivian origin in the Moxos region and displayed in Santa Cruz. The flower begins as white and gradually changes to pink. This waterlily has the largest leaf in the world and has achieved two Guiness World Records.
We are delighted and honoured to announce that the beautiful Shop and Plant Centre at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is now offering a selection of Mark O’Connor’s prints inspired by the magnificent Victoria boliviana, water lilies and nature.
Mark spent time in Bolivia engaged in a new project about Amazonia, supported by a Bolivian Artist. He also visited Moxos, where he made a presentation at the Cathedral Museum and he could see the Victoria in its natural habitat – an experience that profoundly deepened his artistic exploration of native flora. Two exhibitions about the Victoria and the Amazonia were presented at Ateneo Campo and the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.
In London, following Mark’s participation in a group exhibition at Ad Lib Gallery, Wimbledon, in July 2026, he will return to the gallery this October with a new collection of artwork, presented as part of another group exhibition. Through Ad Lib Gallery, posters featuring Mark’s art, alongside the work of other selected artists, were also displayed at Hyde Park Corner Underground Station. This October 2026, Mark’s artwork this time will be displayed at Regent’s Park Underground Station.
In 2025, Mark participated in a group exhibition at BobCat Gallery, Putney Exchange Centre He also presented a selection of art-related souvenirs at the gallery’s Winter Boutique December 2025. In September 2026, Mark returned to the gallery with a new collection. He will also be presenting a new selection of art-inspired souvenirs at the gallery’s Winter Boutique in December 2026.
In 2024, Mark presented two solo exhibitions. His first solo exhibition was held at Art/Fix Gallery in Greenwich, followed by a second solo exhibition at CBT (Contemporary Bolivian Arts Trust).
www.markoconnorb.com Instagram: moconnorbowles.art email: mebowlesmonzart@gmail.com
For Mark, nature is both a scientific marvel and an artistic muse. We are pleased to announce that the Kew Shop, at the Royal Botanic Gardens, offers reproductions of five of Mark’s paintings — inspired by this magnificent species and influenced by the style of Monet’s water lilies.
Exhibitions & Presentations
Mark O’Connor Bowles has exhibited his work in both the United Kingdom and Bolivia. In London, he held a solo exhibition at the Art/Fix Gallery in Greenwich, presenting Victoria Boliviana — a series of nature-inspired paintings created for an urban audience.
In Bolivia, his works have been exhibited at Ateneo Campo and the Museum of Contemporary Art, featuring both Victoria Boliviana and Amazonía — projects supported by José Moreno Aparicio, a renowned Bolivian artist specializing in landscape painting. This body of work explores artistic responses to the Amazon and its fragile ecosystems.
As part of his research and growing connection with the subject, Mark traveled to San Ignacio de Moxos, in the Beni region, where he gave a presentation at the Cathedral Museum and had the opportunity to observe the Victoria Boliviana in its natural habitat — an experience that significantly deepened his artistic exploration of native flora.
His most recent exhibitions have taken place at CBAT, the Contemporary Bolivian Arts Trust — an organization that supports opportunities for Bolivian artists and promotes their work in the United Kingdom. Mark has also participated in a group exhibition at BobCat Gallery from August through September. He is coming back November and December 2025 for Christmas celebration with new paintings. Located in the Putney Exchange shopping center in London. Further opportunities are being sought with galleries in London to exhibit Victoria Boliviana and Amazonía.
My Art and souvenirs are also exhibited and for sale in Bolivia. Casa Design Center (Ateneo IC Norte) a very pleasant “coffee bookstore”, is displaying the 2026 Calendar with images from Victoria and Amazonia, as well as nice souvenirs. Its brunch Ateneo Campo (Roca Gravato Foundation), is displaying and selling my Art. Ateneo Campo, beautiful place to spend the day and breath art in Santa Cruz.
