Born in Dublin in 1935, Kane studied at the National College of Art & Design, and with Patrick Hickey at the Graphic Studio in Dublin. Kane is best known for his involvement in the establishment of the Independent Artists' exhibitions alongside John Kelly, Brian Bourke and John Behan. This group gave artists a voice outside of the RHA and the IELA exhibitions. He also co-founded the Project Arts Centre in Dublin. Cronin, a poet an friend of Kane's, was hugely influential in the creation of the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Kane and Cronin were key figures in what is affectionately known as 'Baggotonia'. Both men were very close to Patrick Kavanagh and Brendan Behan. Kane's work is held by the Contemporary Irish Art Society; Gulbenkian Foundation, Lisbon; Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery, Dublin; Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin; Municipal Gallery, Tampere, Finland.