Child's pastel drawing of an older man with white hair and a white beard, sitting on a chair in a small room playing the violin. The room is filled with a number of brightly coloured objects. — Emily Yilin Situ, Kindness in a Note. © Emily Yilin Situ. Photo, National Gallery of Ireland.

Emily Yilin Situ

Kindness in a Note, 2026

Age 11

Oil and pastel on paper

‘This is a portrait of David. He has enjoyed teaching music for all his life. His severe illness does not stop him from playing music for the community children’s playgroup. You can see his former student’s hand and knee on the left playing along with him. As a lifelong educator, David enjoys this moment — a performance for the new young generation.’

Nóta Cineálta, 2026

Aois 11

Ola agus pastal ar pháipéar

‘Seo portráid de David. Bhain sé taitneamh as ranganna ceoil a mhúineadh i rith a shaoil. Tá sé tinn ach ní stopann sé ag seinm ceoil do ghrúpa súgartha na leanaí. Tá lámh agus glúin iarmhic léinn le feiceáil ar chlé ag seinm in éineacht leis. Chaith David a shaol ag múineadh daoine eile agus bhain sé taitneamh as an nóiméad seo — deis a bheith i mbun ceoil os comhair glúin ceoltóirí óga, nua.’