This is the moment of truth. This is what we have all been waiting for...
The 2022 This is Art! winners are:
- Age 7 and under: Caterina (7) from Co Cork.
- Age 8 to 11: Phoenix (11) from Co Cork.
- Age 12 to 15: Elizabeth (15) from Co Wicklow.
- Age 16 to 18: Sarah (16) from Co Wexford.
- Group category: Lottie & Rosie (sisters) from Co Mayo.
Each winner will receive the This Is Art! Grand Prix Award - a specially commissioned trophy handmade by visual artist and This Is Art Club! presenter Shane Keeling.
Almost 2,000 entries created by artists 18 and under came in from all over the island, working to the theme - This Is Extraordinary. Check out the online gallery and more at rte.ie/thisisart.
The competition was run by RTÉ and the Creative Ireland Programme to celebrate young artists of all abilities. Selected works will also feature on billboards and social media.
Click here to find out everything about the winners!
You can meet them here now. Press play and read on below...
Age 7 and under: Sleeping on a Rainbow by Caterina aged 7
Artist statement: "Rainbow is my cat. She is extraordinary because she is my cat. She has a lot of magical powers: when I am sad, she comes to me and gives me cuddles. When I am lonely, she sits next to me. She loves night time and her fleece blanket.
So I painted all these in my work. I took a photo of her first. Then I designed the background and
painted it. I glued the photo on the painting then I glued the fleece blanket (don't worry, it's not hers. It's old clothes). Rainbow is very special to me."
Judge Aideen Barry said: Oh how I loved this Caterina, the creativity and the consideration you put into
constructing such an amazing mix media assemblage. The Cat looked like he really was dozing on the rainbow. Such a wonderful work. Congratulations.
Age 8 to 11: The Ghost of Garretstown by Phoenix aged 11
Artist statement: "I am interested in magic, nature, fantasy and the extraordinary. Well, the weird back- pack girl in the dark woods would be quite the sight to see on your late night stroll. My inspiration comes from dark songs and my favourite creepy stories.
My projects have three stages: design, creation and performance. My favourite parts of the process are choosing which materials to use and planning where and when to take the photos. I love wearing my costumes and getting into character."
Judge Will Sliney said: "I've seen lots of cosplay in my many years of comic conventions and I love the spirit and wonder of this one combined with the photo. It feels like Ghibli come to life, where there could be wonder around every corner that you discover."
Age 12 to 15: Papillon by Elizabeth aged 15
Artist statement: "My painting is meant to portray the butterfly effect which is a theory that essentially says that one small change can cause a larger change down the road. It's been said that something as small as the flutter of a butterfly’s wing can ultimately cause a typhoon halfway around the world.
My perception on this theory is that everything you’ve ever eaten, seen, smelt, felt and the relationships you’ve had had all caused you to be the person you are today. I am the art but I’m also the artist."
Judge Amanda Coogan said: "Elizabeth, your work is not only very beautiful and really accomplished technically but it is also your idea that is wonderfully rich, complex and important. Congratulations, and I cannot wait to see more of your work."
Age 16 to 18: Stuck in My Room by Sarah aged 16
Artist statement: "This piece is a reflection of my experience in lockdown and how your small bedroom becomes more than just a literal room but so much more. It's a box that blooms creativity and bliss and made me realize that sometimes everything you need is right in front of you.
Somewhere that you think of as a place to rest or study for school for me became a vessel for imagination. I took the picture to highlight the main parts of my room that are important to me, but may seem insignificant to others."
Judge Tadhg Crowley said: "Sarah's portrait perfectly captures the experience that so many had during Covid and yet reveals important aspects of Sarah’s own personal journey every time you view it. As viewers we understand how the bedroom has become a sanctuary, a place of creativity of the artist.
The details of the reflections on the glasses that allow us to glimpse the outside world, the way which Sarah has depicted the keyboard and the confident marks that indicate the decorative elements of the bed or clothes, all demonstrate exceptional skill. An important story, skilfully told. Absolutely stunning, massive congratulations Sarah!"
Group category: Surf On Turf by Lottie & Rosie (sisters)
Artists statement: We created this collage from materials we found in our uncle's shed and garden. We drew a rough idea onto paper then transferred the idea into three dimensions using the grass as our canvas. The photograph of the finished work was taken from an upstairs window."
Judge Aideen Barry said: "What an image of enormous fun, creativity and collaboration. I felt like I was riding that imaginary wave you had constructed in the performance to camera you had created. You are both worthy winners of this category and it was one of the most amazing collaborations I have come across.
I wonder what other worlds you will construct in the future? Please take me with you because it looks like so much fun!"
Selected works from this year's entries will feature on billboards across the country and on social media as part of a campaign by RTÉ and The Creative Ireland Programme.
Click here to see the profiles of the judges who had to make the tough calls!
The Prizes
- Grand Prix: Each 1st place winner receives the coveted TIA Grand Prix Award of a specially commissioned sculpture by ceramic artist Shane Keeling.
- Bursary: The 16 to 18 category winners will be offered bursaries towards furthering their art education along with prize vouchers for art supplies and materials.
- Certificates: 100 young artists will also receive hand printed Certificates of Commendation along with prize vouchers for art materials.
- Group: Group category winners will also receive a bursary towards an art experience for their school or community group.
The competition might be over, but that doesn't mean you should stop creating and experimenting with artforms of all types. And, if you need some inspiration This Is Art Club! is here to help.
