Boundary pushing artist and physicist, Robin Price, hosts workshop for students at Mercy College, in North Belfast

One of the artist’s pieces from the Collection, Outer Nairobi, Kenya, Digital photograph (2018), belonging to the Air of the Anthropocene series, is currently on display at the school. The workshop was an opportunity for students to hear how he created this photographic series, made in collaboration with scientists from all over the world, measuring different levels of air pollution and capturing through new technologies and photography. The artist is known for using electronics, algorithms, code, glitches and hacked objects to push at the boundaries of what is technologically and ecologically possible, permissible and ethical when creating art.

Watch the video below.

Mercy College currently has six pieces from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland's Contemporary Art Collection on display for pupils to engage with and enjoy including; Robin Price, Outer Nairobi, Kenya, Digital photograph (2018), Margaret Arthur, Winter Woods, Monoprint (2019), Ian Cumberland, The Mercy Seat, Oil on canvas (2006), Oliver Jeffers, The Substitute Window, Oil on canvas (2005), Tim Millen, Conference, Oil on canvas (2020), and Gareth Reid, Waterhole, Pastel & charcoal on canvas (2013).

Joanna Johnston, Arts Development Officer: Visual Arts & Collections, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added, “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to be able to bring these stunning works of art into schools, ensuring that more people from all backgrounds can enjoy arts experiences. We hope the students at Mercy College enjoy engaging with the artworks and draw inspiration from them. By offering the Collection for public display in schools, we are helping to showcase the work of our artists and to introduce the public to Northern Ireland’s wealth of creative talent."

The Arts Council's Contemporary Art Collection currently holds over 700 artworks by established and emerging visual artists working in Northern Ireland including two-times Turner Prize nominee, Willie Doherty; Cara Murphy, whose work is included in the Downing Street Sliver Collection; and Colin Davidson, who painted the Queen’s portrait in 2016. The Art Lending Scheme for schools was officially launched in 2019 and to date 19 schools have taken part.

Séanda Billings, Head of Art, Mercy College, said, “We are thrilled to have artworks from the Arts Council’s Collection in our school, it gives students the chance to experience real, professional artwork every day—not just in a gallery. Having art around the school can make the building feel more welcoming and inspiring, and it can spark conversations, ideas, and creativity. Seeing artwork by Northern Irish artists can also help students feel proud of where they come from.

Having Robin Price visit the students was a brilliant opportunity for them to experience art in a way that’s completely different from normal classroom work. Robin’s practice blends art, science, technology, and creativity, so his visit helps pupils see that art isn’t just about drawing or painting. For many students, especially in North Belfast, meeting a professional artist in person can be hugely inspiring, and shows that creative careers are real, achievable paths and that people from here are making innovative work which is recognised across Northern Ireland and beyond.”

Sixth-form pupil, Caoli Toner, spoke about the visit saying, “I have a passion for photography, and I was very excited to have Robin visit our school. I’ve loved his artwork ever since I saw it displayed in school. In the world where we see so much online it’s good to get a one-to-one interaction and see the way Robin works; hopefully it inspires me on with my photography.”

The Arts Council is keen to hear from schools that are interested in taking part in the Art Lending Scheme for Schools and is also on hand to help advise and curate an exhibition for each school if required. For more information email [email protected]

About Robin Price

Robin Price is an artist-inventor, trans-disciplinary physicist, musician and cat enthusiast. He holds an MPhys in Theoretical Physics from the University of Wales, Swansea and a PhD in Composition and Creative Practice from Queen’s University, Belfast. Recent solo exhibitions include Escape Sequence at CCA, Derry~Londonderry, Lambent Ambient, R-Space, Lisburn and Air of the Anthropocene at University of Atypical, Belfast. His work is held in the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s public collection and has been covered in Source Magazine, New Scientist and the Guardian. He is a founder member and ex-director of Vault Artist Studios in East Belfast.