Colin Davidson
@colin_davidson
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Artist from Ireland, Chancellor of Ulster University, Patron of WAVE. ‘Silent Testimony’ at the National Portrait Gallery London until February 2025.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Joined June 2010
Hate never built anything. Just like I did when painting Virtue in 2015, I weep for those mothers in Gaza today. And all the mothers in this doom-bound conflict. Left forever bereft. Forever broken. 4/4
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When will we ever learn that to share this planet together should be something to be celebrated. We know that war, conflict, genocide is evil. But so too is the manic fixation on those things which make us different - religion, ethnicity, nationality, class, gender. 3/4
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A mother left bereft & broken at the violent death of her child through conflict. Never to truly move on. When I look at the thousands of mothers in Gaza whose lives like Virtue’s, are destroyed by the grotesque and truly horrific slaughter of their children, my heart breaks. 2/4
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I painted this portrait of Virtue Dixon in 2015 as part of my 'Silent Testimony' Exhibition. In 1982, Virtue's daughter Ruth was killed in a bomb attack on her 24th birthday during the Troubles here in Northern Ireland… 1/4
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‘Second Portrait of Bono’.2021.oil on canvas.127 x 117 cm. On display, with the main portrait, at the National Gallery of Ireland from Tuesday 17th June 2025.
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‘The Ocean (Portrait of Bono)’.2021.oil on canvas.152 x 140 cm. On display, with a second portrait, at the National Gallery of Ireland from Tuesday 17th June 2025.
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RT @PresidentIRL: At a special event at @uniofgalway yesterday, it was announced that the University will be the custodians of President Hi….
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Today, President Michael D Higgins and I unveiled my portrait of him at the University of Galway. This was to mark the donation of the Presidential Archive of President Michael D. Higgins, as well as books from his personal book collection, to the University.
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I’m delighted to show this small 3D painting at the RHA Annual Exhibition, Dublin. Until 3rd August. ‘Small Stranger’.oil paint, acrylic paint, PLA and granite.33x14x8cm
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RT @EamonnMallie: EAMONN MALLIE FACE TO FACE WITH…Rev Harold Good talking about his life and his rôle in the Peace Process. Join us @utv….
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Packing up ‘Silent Testimony’ for its return from London. My sincere appreciation particularly to: @Kim_Mawhinney @UlsterMuseum @NPGLondon @WAVETrauma & to my sitters & their families. Thanks too to everyone who visited & those who took the time to message me. Until next time…
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A final visit to ‘Silent Testimony’ this morning @NPGLondon . I will always view the making of this work, over ten years ago, as the most profound privilege. ❤️
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LAST WEEK. ‘Silent Testimony’ at the National Portrait Gallery London finishes Sunday 23rd February.
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For, although rooted in place and lived experience, they throw a light on what it means to be a human being in this world. And this is the mark of any great work of art. Rest in peace Michael. It was a joy to know you. 4/4.
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‘Ceasefire’ demonstrates his deep understanding of the heart of our people. The momentous task of healing. Of peace. But it is his poems of the everyday which will stay with me personally. Poems of family, of grandchildren, of birdsong, of the hedgerow, of the Mayo coastline. 3/4
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A poet whose work quietly whispered those truths which we all needed to hear. During our darkest days, and indeed our most joyous days, his words were a touchstone for our traumatised and most hurt people. 2/4
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Michael Longley CBE.1939-2025. As I post these portraits of my dear friend today, I am filled with sadness. And a great sense of pride. Michael was one of the Belfast greats. One of the Irish greats. One of the world’s greats. 1/4
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