Artist Statement
My aim is to offer a glimpse into someone's life through my paintings. I spend time with my subjects to get a sense of who they are, which helps me capture their energy and essence. From there, I build a narrative, but the story is always open to interpretation—there’s always something more to uncover.
The people I paint are my greatest inspiration. Everyone carries a life full of experiences—love, joy, work, and pain. My role is to reflect a moment from their lives through art.
I approach my work almost like a journalist, focusing on the psychology behind each person’s story. Whether it’s a recurring dream or a hidden passion, I try to tap into something meaningful that they carry within.
Artist Biography
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Neil-Jack Alphonsus Hamilton, an Irish artist based in Donegal, was born in County Down and comes from a family of artists. He graduated in Fine Art from the University of Ulster, Belfast, and has exhibited his work in numerous local and international shows. After spending time in Spain, he returned to Ireland in 2018 and began focusing on oil portraiture. His work is centered on telling psychological and emotional stories through painting, often drawing on the inner narratives of his subjects.
Neil was selected to compete on Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year in both 2022 and 2024. He is frequently commissioned for portraits and teaches life drawing in Donegal.
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Education
2014 Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Fine Art, University of Ulster Belfast
2011-2014 University of Ulster Belfast Fine Art Painting
2010-2012 University of Ulster Belfast Foundation Degree Fine and Applied Art
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Work Experience
February 15th-16th 2025- Narrative painting worksop, National Gallery of Ireland
2014-Present- Commission Work
2018- Present- Life drawing tutor
2018- Present - Life drawing teacher, DELS Donegal
2015- Film prop designer for Rian Lennon
2012- Working with Philip Napier, NCAD professional practice
2008- Rogue rocket work experience with William Simpson
Exhibitions
9th November 2024- 9th March 2025- AIB Portrait Prize, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin
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13th October 2024 - 11th January 2025- 119th Bath Society of Artists Annual Exhibition, Victoria Art Museum, Bath
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6th July - 27th July 2024- Cairde Visual, Hamilton Gallery, Sligo
4th December 2023 - 7th January 2024 - Home, Green door gallery, Brussels, Belgium
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10th September - 23rd September 2023 - 145th Dublin Painting and Sketching Annual Exhibition, Town hall, Windmill lane, Dublin
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22nd May - 30th July 2023- 193rd Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts Annual Exhibition, RHA Gallery, Dublin
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1st July - 21st July 2023- Cairde Visual, Hamilton Gallery, Sligo
CAT AND THE MOON AWARD WINNER
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​6th May -21st June 2023- 197th Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture Annual Exhibition, RHA Museum, Edinburgh
22nd April - 24th June 2023- 118th Bath Society of Artists Annual Exhibition, Victoria Art Museum, Bath
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2023- Jacksons painting prize longlist-https://jacksonsart.awardsplatform.com/gallery/GXOlNprR/EZxqXPEk?search=2fce9e8f2b3b2eaa-1
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13th October 2022 - 3rd January 2023- 141st Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition, Ulster Museum, Belfast
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18th September - 1st October 2022 - 144th Dublin Painting and Sketching Annual Exhibition, Town hall, Windmill lane, Dublin
ANNUAL OPEN SUBMISSION AWARD WINNER
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2nd July - 29th July 2022- Cairde Visual, Hamilton Gallery, Sligo
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14th May- 2nd July 2022- 117th Bath Society of artists Annual Exhibition- Victoria Art Museum, Bath https://bsaonlinegallery.oess1.uk/artwork/ArtistPage/38035?exhid=296&fbclid=IwAR2p54lq-USCZtk-F3r_w8pqssryFqn5OwXCvOPOBbhVKiD81e9KCr6jpN4
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13th September- 25th September 2021- Artcetera Studios, Belfast - Melting pot IV
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August 2020- January 2021- International arts competition, Art Certificate, Virtual Exhibition
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16th October 2020-31st January 2021- 139th Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition, Ulster Museum, Belfast
https://www.royalulsteracademy.org/
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27th February 2016- J&J, Granada Spain- Live drawing performance and show
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August 2014- Catalyst arts, Belfast- Studio 11 show
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July 2014 - Waterfront exhibition, Belfast
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6th June 2014- University of Ulster, Belfast- Degree Show
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October 2013- Linen Hall Library, Belfast- Illustrator for Love and Marriage case study (As part of the peace process)
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August 2012- Folk town, Belfast
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2012- Haymark Arcade, Belfast- Thou Art Skint
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2011- University of Ulster, Belfast- Foundation end of year show
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2010- Norway Exhibition, Norway- Health