Artworks now available to view at www.rte.ie/thisisart & www.thisisart.ie
(Browse by County/Age/Art Discipline)
RT and the Creative Ireland Programme are delighted to announce the category winners of the This Is Art! Competition which was a great success.
Almost 9,000 young people from around the country responded with creativity, enthusiasm and great thoughtfulness to the theme of This Is Now. What emerged is a visual representation of our young people's perspective on the health crisis and how it has impacted their lives and the lives of those they love.
All artworks are now showcased in an online art gallery on www.rte.ie/thisisart that will be available for generations to come. Browse the gallery by County/Age/Art Discipline.
The Winning Entries (with artist statements and judges' comments) are:
CATEGORY: AGE 7 & UNDER
TIA Grand Prix Award Winner: Sean Hoban Love from a Distance
Sean is from Eyrecourt, Co Galway
This is my neighbour Jed. I loved visiting Jed everyday with my Dad. Jed makes me laugh by telling funny stories & jokes, Jed gives me biscuits & tea, Jed shows me his lambs & I always play with his dog Celia. During the Covid I can't visit Jed and I miss him a lot but Mam and Dad said I can send love from a distance. Now we drive by and I look into Jed in the field and give him a big wave. Jed always gives me a big smile back. Even though I can't visit Jed I can send him love from a distance.
What the judges said (Tadhg Crowley, Glucksman Gallery):
This artwork just jumped out at me! I love Sean's drawing style. He has demonstrated real skill in the different painting techniques that can be seen in the artwork and this is beautifully combined with huge detail of the drawing. The artwork is really joyous and I love Sean's statement, the story resonates for so many of us during these unprecedented times.
Second Place: Bryanna Buckley Age 5 from Drogheda, Co Louth
Third Place: P draic Matthews Age 5 from Santry, Co Dublin
CATEGORY: AGE 8 11
TIA Grand Prix Award Winner: Teddy Duggan Painting Stones
Teddy is from Terenure, Co Dublin
I paint these stones so I leave them around my area for people to find to make them feel happy .
What the judges said (Tadhg Crowley, Glucksman Gallery):
This project that brings creativity and joy to so many people is a truly wonderful artistic endeavour. What Teddy has created demonstrates originality, kindness and skill. This project made me smile and I think how lucky Teddy's neighbours are to be able to encounter these beautiful treasures in their area.
Second Place: Ellen Tierney (Age 11) from Naas, Co Kildare
Third Place: Edward O'Meara (Age 10) from Arklow, Co Wicklow
CATEGORY: AGE 12 - 15
TIA Grand Prix Award Winner: Shahad Al-Majmaie (15) Blank Faced Brother
Shahad is from Knocklyon, Co Dublin
This is a portrait of my brother that I drew during lockdown. I used the book paper to symbolise all the bad news that was being bombarded at us during Covid-19. I decided not to draw a face to represent the sadness that we were feeling as well as our efforts to stay hopeful and block out the news. I chose for my brother to hold the book Trash' to express how I was feeling. The book is also a symbol of distraction from the media and Covid-19
What the judges had to say (Fatti Burke):
Shahad's portrait of her brother is graphic and intriguing, encouraging the viewer to ask questions and look deeper into the artist's intent. Her use of collaged text has a dizzying effect behind the subject and it really gave me the feeling of being overwhelmed by information. Her drawing style is expressive, even without a facial expression, and her work draws me in. An exciting young artist with a lot to say!
Second Place: Jamie Cahill (15), The Curragh, Co. Kildare
Third Place: Joanna Lipska, (14), Newbridge, Co. Kildare
CATEGORY: AGE 16 18
TIA Grand Prix Award Winner: Hannah Hurley (17) The Warrior
Hannah is from Cobh, Co. Cork
This portrait depicts my granda, Denis, on St. Patrick's Day. Besides everything else that was against the older generation in 2020, his wife, my grandmother passed away this year and I believe that struggle is clear in this painting, however silent he can be sometimes. I used acrylic paints to express this piece, I enjoyed the contrast of the bright colours of the festive hat and his dower expression, I think it reflected my now' very well.
What the judges had to say (Sarah McAuliffe, National Gallery of Ireland):
Hannah's artwork The Warrior' is so touching and it brought out lots of emotions in me (and the whole judging panel!). I feel like many people can relate to the sense of sadness and loneliness in her grandfather's face during such a difficult time and we have seen similar expressions in our own loved one's faces. I like how this is contrasted with some bright colours to underline the potential for hope in the future. From a technical point of view, her composition and brushwork is outstanding.
What the judges had to say (Fatti Burke):
What drew me into Hannah's painting so much is the depth of emotion in her grandfather's portrait. The novelty hat he wears for Patrick's Day instantly made me smile, but it sits above a muted image of a man suffering his own battle. Hannah's piece is poignant, gentle and beautifully executed, successfully capturing a nation's pain in a single expression. Stunning work.
Second Place: Mary Bradford (17), Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
Third Place Milena Krahl (18), Inisturk Island, Co. Mayo
GROUP CATEGORY
TIA Grand Prix Award Winner Ard Scoil na nD ise, Dungarvan N neart go cur le ch ile (There is no strength without unity )
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Artworks now available to view at www.rte.ie/thisisart & www.thisisart.ie 
