A Lightness of Touch

About The Exhibition

Belfast Exposed is proud to present “A Lightness of Touch”, the showstopping end-of-year degree show for the MFA Photography graduates at Ulster University. This exhibition connects a broad range of thoughts, experiences, and feelings. The content is far-reaching and diverse with works by national and international artists. What binds the artists of this show together is not the subject of their work, but their sensitive and tender approach towards capturing their subjects; a particular lightness of touch.

Belfast Exposed, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple lockdowns, has spent the last year supporting and promoting new talent and this show is a continuation of that committed and essential work.

"Supporting emerging talent is ever more important as we ease out of Lockdown and each and every of these MFA graduates demonstrates talent in their respective genres. Within the show, there is evidence of a very human approach that deals with topics that are considered challenging.  The works are profound with a tenderness not often seen in group shows and the sensitivity embraces the audiences into new ways of seeing." - Deirdre Robb, Chief Executive, Belfast Exposed.

The exhibition touches upon relationships with family, community, and environments. After a year of global protests, isolation and illness, the exhibition stands boldly in the face of abuse, conflict, separation and delves into masculinity, sexuality and interaction with the landscape. It is political, socially engaging, and expresses a longing for connection, each work in a unique and personal way; all underpinned by a careful and thoughtful gaze.

The artists come from all over the world and include Roula Patra, Claire French, Paul Greenfield, Stephen Kelly, Niall Ruddy, John Post, Ian F. Simpson, Martin Reynolds, Rob Stead, Iryna Baklan, Jolane Schaffner, Clare Lyons, Gavin Martin and Mark Bell.