During our Culture Night event on 20 September ONIEB launched the Bradley Art Prize Exhibition in Brussels.
The Bradley Art Prize is an art initiative to drive fresh talent and creativity among young people in Northern Ireland launched by the team at Terry Bradley Art. The prize is supported by Radius Connect Solutions, Bradbury Art and Titanic Belfast.
This year, the competition was open to people from three categories, 14-18, 19-23 and over 23. After the winners were announced, the original pieces were displayed in the Dockers & Dolls Exhibition in Titanic Belfast before being sent to Brussels in time for the Bradley Art Prize launch at Culture Night. The pieces will be on display in the office until Christmas, allowing visitors from across Europe to appreciate the incredible talent and creativity emerging from our region.
The Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels is pleased to display the collection as part of an initiative designed to encourage more young people to consider turning their love of art into a long-term career, offering local artists the chance to display their work internationally. If you would like to come visit the exhibition, which will remain on display for a few months, contact the office at info.brusselsoffice@executive-ni.gov.uk.
A 19 year old artist from North Belfast, Holly Hooks is about to start her second year of Fine Art at Ulster University.
She is mainly a portrait artist, but she enjoys other areas of art such as mural painting, printing and photography. Art has always been her biggest passion and interest from a very early age and throughout school; it was where she flourished and felt most comfortable.
“I’m extremely honoured to be the winner of the 19-23 year old category and the overall winner of the Bradley Art Prize. Winning this has not only helped me gain confidence personally and as an artist, it has also given me a platform to showcase my work. Terry Bradley’s art has always been an inspiration for me being a portrait and mural artist from Belfast. His unique and captivating style has become a staple in Northern Ireland and one that has influenced my painting style immensely. I think the Bradley Art Prize is an excellent way of showing some of the talent Northern Ireland has to offer for all artists. The feedback I have received through winning the prize has very positive and I am thankful to be one of the winners amongst a group of such talented artists.” ~ Holly Hooks
Follow Holly on Instagram: @hollyhooksartist
Erin McDaid is 16 years old and studying at Glenlola Collegiate School, where she recently completed Art GCSE which she intends to continue into Art A Level. “I have always loved art, especially enjoying exploring lots of different mediums to improve my technique and find my style.”
‘Distorted’ “I created this piece with the intent to depict the notion that there is always more to someone than initially meets the eye. Between the misaligned mirror and the hair that descends into swirls I strived to capture a small fraction of a person that may go unnoticed initially at first glance or from a distance.”
Bradley Brimacombe is a painter and printmaker from Bangor. During college and university, he brought his love for people watching to life through detailed etchings.
Shortly before graduating from university, he then began his painting career as a student on a budget. At the time, he was working in a hardware store, hence the MDF, cabinet doors and 100s of emulsion tester pots he has scattered in the studio that he uses to make his pieces.
“Through both mediums I explore human natures and capture those escaping the world for a moment.”
Follow Bradley on Instagram: @brimacombe_art