Aoibhinn McDermott

What I’m Really Reaching For, 2026

Age 17

Video, digital drawing software, Krita Canvas

‘This portrait is a representation of my grief. The main subject of the portrait is me, as I mourn the childhood that now comes to a close after the recent death of my dad.

I take comfort in the fact that he is the one behind so many of my happy memories and that my home is lined with moments he captured on his camera. I know now that I won’t get this time back, but that I can still continue on with life while holding his light with me.’

An Méid atá á Lorg Agam i nDáiríre, 2026

Aois 17

Físeán, bogearraí líníochta digití, Canbhás Krita

‘Is léargas ar an mbrón í an phortráid seo. Is mise príomhábhar na portráide agus tá mé faoi bhrón ag smaoineamh ar dheireadh laethanta m’óige i ndiaidh bhás m’athar le déanaí.

Ábhar faoisimh dom is ea gurb eisean is cúis le cuid de mo chuimhní cinn is sona agus go bhfuil a theach lán le nóiméid a thaifead sé ar a cheamara. Tuigim anois nach féidir liom filleadh ar na seanlaethanta, ach gur féidir liom leanúint ar aghaidh le mo shaol fad is a bheidh a sholas siúd in éineacht liom.’

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