Bentley O'Balogun

Oldest Trick in the Book, 2025

Age 15

Oil on canvas

‘My self-portrait visually comments on the many aspects of phone addiction. Using exaggerated colours, the night-time scene is illuminated by multiple light sources. The lone figure’s face, glowing from a screen, seems motionless, consumed by the guilt of late-night scrolling. Yet to his right, a salt lamp beams with happiness, revealing what seems to be his life prior, filled with success, achievement and glory. Although incredibly obvious, the boy childishly attempts to keep his device hidden, presumably scared of the consequences to come.’

Ceilte sa Leabhar, 2025

Aois 15

Olaphictiúr ar chanbhás

‘Is ráiteas físiúil ar na gnéithe éagsúla a bhaineann le handúil teileafóin é m’fhéinphortráid. Trí úsáid a bhaint as dathanna áibhéalacha, tá an radharc oíche lasta ag roinnt foinsí solais éagsúla. Tá an chuma ar an scéal go bhfuil aghaidh na fíorach aonair atá ag lonrú ó scáileán, socair, ite ag an éad a bhaineann le bheith ag scrolláil déanach san oíche. Ach ar thaobh na láimhe deise, tá solas sona ag scaladh as lampa salainn, agus tá léargas éigin á thabhairt ar an saol a chaith sé roimhe sin, lán le rath, éachtaí agus gradam. Ainneoin nach féidir é a cheilt, déanann an buachaill iarracht pháistiúil an teileafón a choinneáil ceilte. Seans go bhfuil imní air faoin méid a tharlóidh amach anseo.’

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