
Two Wicklow teens are among 46 artists who've been shortlisted for the AIB Young Portrait Prize.
Two talented young Wicklow artists have been shortlisted for the AIB Young Portrait Prize by the National Gallery of Ireland.
Fifteen-year-old Bray native Ruixin Chen has been credited for her work Climbing Through, a piece in oil paint on canvas, and eighteen-year-old Jill Tritschler, from Greystones, has been selected for her work in oil on canvas, Minerva.
Jill Tritschler from Greystones' work Minerva.
The seventh ever AIB Young Portrait Prize aims to showcase the artistic talent of under-18's.
Five winners will be selected from the shortlist and the overall competition winner will be awarded a personalised wooden box of high-quality art materials and a cash prize of €500.
Last year, Alannah McDonald Brown, a young artist from Arklow, was announced as a winner in the category for ages six and under.
Bray native Ruixin Chen's work Climbing Through
Dr Caroline Campbell, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland, said,
“We’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with AIB on the annual AIB Portrait Prize and AIB Young Portrait Prize. Watching entries arrive and the shortlist be announced for the competitions is a highlight of our year every year. We’re excited for the exhibitions to open here at the Gallery in November and happy that audiences in Donegal and Waterford will have a chance to see these works close to home at the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny and Waterford Gallery of Art in 2026.”
Colin Hunt, Chief Executive Officer of AIB, said,
“Irish Portraiture holds a valuable place in our cultural tapestry. The AIB Portrait Prize and AIB Young Portrait Prize capture a moment in time in Irish society and are a reflection of our people, our stories and our history. These Portraits demonstrate the wonderful creativity and talent of portrait artists of all ages in communities across the country. Last year I had the pleasure of meeting the entrant artists and seeing their work. AIB is very proud to once again sponsor these competitions and I am delighted to see the inspiring works that artists have produced this year.”
Exhibitions of the shortlisted works in both competitions will be on display in the National Gallery of Ireland from November to March 2026.
The winners of the Prizes will be announced at a ceremony held in the National Gallery of Ireland in November.