Painting of a young male figure. He has white, wired headphones in, and his face is blurred as he looks to the right of the canvas. He is walking outside, against a background of silhouetted trees, and a blue and orange sunset. — Ruaidhrí Condon, Distractions. © Ruaidhrí Condon. Photo, National Gallery of Ireland.

Ruaidhrí Condon

Distractions, 2026

Age 18

Oil on canvas

‘This self-portrait represents the frustration of constantly thinking of the future and not fully enjoying the present moment. I shook my phone as I took a photo to create a motion blur. I did my best to convey that same effect in oil.’

Seachrán, 2026

Aois 18

Olaphictiúr ar chanbhás

‘Tugtar léargas san fhéinphortráid seo ar an bhfrustrachas a bhaineann le bheith ag machnamh faoin todhchaí agus gan taitneamh ceart a bhaint as an am i láthair. Chroith mé mo theileafón nuair a bhí an grianghraf á ghlacadh agam chun ceo gluaisne a chruthú. Rinne mé iarracht an éifeacht chéanna a chruthú trí ola a úsáid.’