Limerick Artist Darren Ryan Shortlisted for AIB Portrait Prize

The National Gallery of Ireland has revealed the finalists for this year’s AIB Portrait Prize and AIB Young Portrait Prize, showcasing the works of talented artists from across the country. Among the 26 shortlisted artists is Limerick native, Darren Ryan, recognized for his photograph titled “Portrait of The Artist as a Middle Aged Man.” This year’s competition attracted hundreds of entries, highlighting the vibrant artistic community in Ireland.

The AIB Portrait Prize encompasses a diverse range of mediums, including paintings, video, and photography. In addition to Ryan’s work, the exhibition will feature a unique piece by artist Sean Taylor that pays homage to the University of Limerick’s American Football team, entitled “AUDIBLE: A sound/video portrait of the University of Limerick Vikings American Football Team.”

AIB Portrait Prize Awards and Jury Details

The winner of the AIB Portrait Prize will be awarded a cash prize of €15,000 and will also receive a commission to create a piece for the National Portrait Collection, for which an additional €5,000 will be granted. Two highly commended works will receive awards of €1,500 each. The judging panel for this year includes esteemed figures such as artist Gareth Reid, Professor Emily Mark-FitzGerald from the School of Art History & Cultural Policy at University College Dublin, and Dr. Barbara Dawson, Director of the Hugh Lane Gallery.

The winners will be announced during a ceremony at the National Gallery of Ireland on November 25, 2025. Following the awards, the shortlisted works will be displayed in the Portrait Gallery of the National Gallery of Ireland from November 8, 2025, to March 15, 2026.

Exhibitions and Collaborations

The National Gallery is collaborating with the Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny and the Waterford Gallery of Art to present both the AIB Portrait Prize and the AIB Young Portrait Prize for 2025. After the exhibition at the National Gallery, the artworks will travel to Letterkenny from April 4 to June 20, 2026, and then to Waterford from July 18 to October 11, 2026.

This initiative emphasizes the importance of cultural exchange and showcases the rich artistic talent present in Ireland, fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts among the public. As anticipation builds for the announcement of the winners, the event promises to celebrate creativity and artistic excellence across the nation.