Neil-Jack (Alphonsus) Hamilton

Jennifer McShane, 2023

Oil on canvas on board

"This oval-shaped portrait spotlights Jennifer McShane. The oval draws the viewer’s focus directly on Jennifer, a powerful disability advocate and film enthusiast. The painting emphasises Jennifer’s strength and presence, with her Kaye Walker subtly included as a symbol of empowerment. Dressed in blue jeans and a burgundy top, she stands confidently. To reflect her love for film, I added playful references to her favourite movies and TV shows. This artwork celebrates diversity, identity and creativity, highlighting Jennifer’s inspiring persona." - Neil-Jack (Alphonsus) Hamilton

Neil-Jack (Alphonsus) Hamilton, known as NJ Alphonsus, is a Donegal-based artist and Fine Art graduate of the University of Ulster. His work has been exhibited at the Royal Hibernian Academy, the Royal Ulster Academy of Arts and the Royal Society of Arts. Featured on ‘Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year’ in 2022 and 2024, NJ Alphonsus regularly receives portrait commissions and teaches life drawing in Donegal. He creates thought-provoking, emotionally resonant work by exploring the darker aspects of the human psyche. Influenced by Renaissance and Flemish art, as well as psychological thrillers/cinema, he blends traditional and contemporary oil painting techniques to celebrate diversity, identity and the mystery of the human experience.

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