Diane, Larkin Community College, depicts “a study of a young woman’s strength and power.” This striking photographic portrait by Dublin-based photographer Mandy
O’Neill’s work was chosen from a shortlist of 25 other artists. The announcement was made at the National
A graduate of IADT and DIT, Mandy O’Neill’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including at the National Gallery of Ireland, where it was previously shortlisted for the annual Portrait Prize.
She has also exhibited at the Royal Hibernian Academy, VISUAL Carlow, CCI Paris and CFEVA Philadelphia.
O’Neill’s practice explores themes of youth, adolescence, community, environment and the institution.
In her artist’s statement, she said: “This image shows a self-possessed and strong young woman, who is very much holding the power in her gaze. I knew when I made this photograph that while it had a number of factors which make a compelling portrait, it also had that intangible element which draws you in and resonates in a way that is inexplicable.”
This year’s judging panel comprised Geraldine O’Neill, Sue Rainsford
In awarding the Zurich Portrait Prize to Mandy O’Neill, they commented: “This year’s shortlist of 25 artists is remarkable for the breadth of representation, the diversity of the themes addressed, and the ambition of the artists.” The judging panel found it challenging to select the winning entry among such high quality visual works.
Artist Blaise Smith, who is based in Kilkenny, and photographer Kim Haughton, from Dublin, were highly commended for their respective portraits,My Parents, Allen and Elizabeth Smith, and J.P. Donleavy. Both will receive a prize of €1,500.
Kim Haughton (b. 1974). J.P. Donleavy, 2015. Photograph, 72x100cm. © Kim Haughton. 
Blaise Smith (b. 1967). My Parents. Allen and Elizabeth Smith, 2018. Oil on canvas, 70 x 100 cm. © Blaise Smith. Photo © National Gallery of Ireland. 
Director of the National Gallery of Ireland, Sean Rainbird commented:
“This year’s Zurich Portrait Prize competition served to challenge traditional understandings of portraiture. I would like to thank all of the artists who participated in this year’s competition, and the judging panel, and of course to congratulate Mandy O’Neill, Blaise Smith
Exhibition curator Brendan Rooney added:
“Innovation and creativity are at the heart of this year’s Zurich Portrait Prize shortlist and we are delighted with the number of visitors who have already come to see the exhibition. We look forward to welcoming more people into the Gallery in the coming months, where they can enjoy the works, and appreciate the talent and originality that exists in contemporary Irish portraiture.”
CEO of Zurich Insurance plc, Patrick Manley said:
“The Zurich Portrait Prize is a showcase of the very best of contemporary Irish portraiture and I would like to congratulate Mandy O’Neill for her striking study of youth in Ireland.
Zurich is delighted to have supported this exhibition and we look forward to partnering with the National Gallery of Ireland once again next year.”
The work of all shortlisted artists will remain on show in Room 23 of the National Gallery of Ireland until Sunday, 13th January 2019.
Admission is free.
