A TALENTED young Limerick artist scooped a top prize in RTÉ’s This is Art! competition.
15-year-old Aoife Zhang from Caherdavin took the second place prize in the 12-15 age category for her work ‘Drowning in Love’.
Supported by Creative Ireland and the Shared Island Initiative, the annual art competition aims to foster imagination and creativity in young people aged 18 and under, giving them a platform to express themselves and connect with others through the arts.
Ms Zhang is among 14 winners from across Ireland to receive recognition for their talents, with 145 other budding artists will get special commendations, and 492 more whose entries were celebrated with certificates.
The five first place category winners were presented with a trophy designed by street artist Maser, whose work will be well known on the streets of Limerick, while runners up were awarded prizes to help develop their talent further – including courses, art supplies and equipment – and to recognise their outstanding contributions.
The judging panel, made up of street artist Maser; contemporary abstract artist Leah Hewson; visual artist Aideen Barry; senior curator at The Glucksman Cork, Tadhg Crowley; and Sheena Barrett, head of research and learning at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, said they were deeply moved by the art on display at this year’s competition.
Entries were received from all four corners of the country, in mediums ranging from custom made clothes and photography to digital art, cartoons, and performance pieces.
Suzanne Kelly, RTÉ’s Head of Children’s and Young People’s Content, said that the competition showed the creativity that young people across Ireland have.
“This is Art! is an important part of RTÉ’s work with children and young people, providing a unique platform to celebrate and inspire young artists. Once again, we are in awe of the quality of the entries and the remarkable creativity on display across Ireland,” she said.
