Upside Down

A solo exhibition of paintings and drawings

by Ciaran Magill

Open from Thursday 4th May to Friday 9th June 2023

University of Atypical Art Gallery,

Ground Floor,

Cathedral Quarter Workspaces,
109-113 Royal Avenue,
Belfast

BT1 1FF

Opening hours: 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Friday

Bodies in motion, bodies at rest. This exhibition of the human figure explores the artist’s dual fascination with high-energy athletic poses offset against quiet contemplative positions in a domestic setting. The acrobatic males are like an astral-projection of the artist’s own dreams, often imagined while lying on his bed. Likewise, the levitating females allude to issues of gender, a recurring theme in the artist’s 16 year career. Despite 15 solo shows to date, this is Ciaran’s first ever solo exhibition of the human figure. Combining drawing and painting, the works embody the artist's love of line, colour and transparent layering effects.

Half of the works on display were made possible thanks to a materials award from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Furthermore, the artist is extremely grateful to the Centre for Independent Living, who, in February 2023, purchased one of the works orginially due for the exhibition, which in turn allowed additional funding to make more works for the show.

Drop ii, 2023, Ciaran Magill

acrylic on canvas, 100 x 70cm. £1,800.

Visions, 2023, Ciaran Magill

acrylic on canvas, 81 x 30cm. £300

Drop, 2023, Ciaran Magill

acrylic on canvas, 100 x 70cm. £1,800.

Curl, 2023, Ciaran Magill

oil on linen, 60 x 40cm. £900.

Washed i, 2023, Ciaran Magill

acrylic on canvas, 50 x 60 cm. £400.

Washed ii, 2023, Ciaran Magill

acrylic on canvas, 50 x 60 cm. £400.

Meditation, 2023, Ciaran Magill

mixed media on paper, 84 x 59 cm. Unframed. £600.

Sinking, 2023, Ciaran Magill

oil on canvas, 40 x 60cm. £900.

Ciaran Magill Biography

Born in 1978 in Newry, Northern Ireland, Ciaran Magill studied Fashion at Ravensbourne College of Design & Communication in London before returning to the Belfast School of Art & Design in 2006 to complete a BA (Hons) degree in Fine and Applied Arts. His paintings and drawings are held in many private, public and corporate collections, most notably the Open University, the NI Civil Service Collection and DIAGEO, the world's leading premium drinks business. He was also the recipient of the 2009 DIAGEO NI emerging artist award. Magill has won 5 awards from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and from the Freelands Foundation in London.

Magill's psychological landscapes explore isolation, eeriness and a strong sense of foreboding. His conceptual figurative works often focus on issues of gender and sexuality.

He has held 15 solo exhibitions in Northern Ireland at many of the leading public art galleries, notably at the Flowerfield Arts Centre (Portstewart), Oriel Gallery (Antrim), Sean Hollywood Arts Centre (Newry), Waterfront Hall (Belfast), Island Arts Centre (Lisburn), Down Arts Centre (Downpatrick), Bangor Library and Ards Arts Centre. 

Magill has also exhibited in many group shows all around the world, with highlights in Beijing, Shanghai, New York, Los Angeles, Berlin and Genoa. In Northern Ireland he has shown in group shows at the Ormeau Baths Gallery, Golden Thread Gallery, The Mac, Catalyst Arts and and the Naughton Gallery at Queen's University.