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Dublin ceramics artist wins Sculpture Award at 143rd RUA 

Sculpture Award winner Grainne Watts with Paul Millar (centre right) of Hamilton Architects, guest judge Phil Jupitus (left) and Dan Dowling, President of the RUA.

Dublin ceramics artist Grainne Watts has won the Sculpture Award, sponsored by Hamilton Architects, at this year’s Royal Ulster Academy exhibition.

‘Oval Wall Form’ took top prize in a strong field of entries at the 143rd annual show, which opened to the public last Friday at the Ulster Museum.

Paul Millar of Hamilton Architects, accompanied by RUA President Dan Dowling, was tasked with choosing the winner. The practice has a long association with the RUA, having sponsored various categories for many years.

Paul said: “Grainne’s piece is hugely impactful. For me, it stood out from the competition thanks to a mesmerising clarity of form, pattern and tactility. It is a memorable piece and a very worthy winner.”   

Grainne’s body of work is inspired by the Irish coastline. She works with porcelain and stoneware clays, using layers of vibrant underglazes and slips to create interesting surface detail. A gallery of her work can be seen at grainnewattsceramics.com.

The RUA exhibition, the highlight of Northern Ireland’s artistic calendar, will run until 6th January 2025. Hundreds of works will be on show in mediums as diverse as painting, drawing, original prints, photography, video, textiles and ceramics. Admission is free, with more information at royalulsteracademy.org.

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