Congratulations to Samantha Ellis Fox, the recipient of the Portrait Prize at the RUA 144th Annual Exhibition (Sponsored by Ross's Auctioneers & Valuers).
The Royal Ulster Academy (RUA) 144th Annual Exhibition is taking place at the Ulster Museum from October 19th 2025 to January 4th 2026. This anticipated event is a highlight of Northern Ireland’s cultural calendar, showcasing an extraordinary array of artwork from both established and emerging artists.
As the largest and longest-standing body of practicing visual artists in Northern Ireland, founded in 1879, the RUA continues its tradition of excellence by providing a prestigious platform for artists across a wide range of disciplines. This year’s exhibition features over 300 artworks across various mediums from paintings and sculptures, to ceramics, textiles, and more.
We, at Ross's, feel privileged to be invited to pick a winner for the Portrait Prize at the exhibition and Fox’s work stood out immediately.
Samantha Ellis Fox has long been one of the leading artists in the Northwest where she has developed an easily recognisable style. In 2022, Samantha’s work was accepted at the ING Discerning Eye Exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London where she was the overall regional winner for Northern Ireland. She has exhibited with the Royal Hibernian Academy, the Royal Ulster Academy and the Royal Scottish Academy. Her work is included in the public collections of the Office of Public Works and the Northern Ireland Department of Finance and Personnel.
Initially producing oil-based landscapes, Samantha’s work has shifted towards portraiture and drawing. Regarding her portraiture, she explained: ‘I want to create an intimate relationship between the viewer and the subject. I have made the decision to concentrate on a single figure with an empty background both for the simplicity of the visual effect and because it forces the viewer into an immediate dialogue with the subject. A figure becomes timeless when their environment is removed. I want to focus the viewer’s gaze on the subject so that they can allow themselves an emotional reaction to what they see.’
Samantha’s work, ‘Girl in Checkered Shirt’ is currently on view at the RUA Exhibition at the Ulster Museum, Belfast, until January 4th 2025.
The Royal Ulster Academy (RUA) 144th Annual Exhibition is taking place at the Ulster Museum from October 19th 2025 to January 4th 2026. This anticipated event is a highlight of Northern Ireland’s cultural calendar, showcasing an extraordinary array of artwork from both established and emerging artists.
As the largest and longest-standing body of practicing visual artists in Northern Ireland, founded in 1879, the RUA continues its tradition of excellence by providing a prestigious platform for artists across a wide range of disciplines. This year’s exhibition features over 300 artworks across various mediums from paintings and sculptures, to ceramics, textiles, and more.
We, at Ross's, feel privileged to be invited to pick a winner for the Portrait Prize at the exhibition and Fox’s work stood out immediately.
Samantha Ellis Fox has long been one of the leading artists in the Northwest where she has developed an easily recognisable style. In 2022, Samantha’s work was accepted at the ING Discerning Eye Exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London where she was the overall regional winner for Northern Ireland. She has exhibited with the Royal Hibernian Academy, the Royal Ulster Academy and the Royal Scottish Academy. Her work is included in the public collections of the Office of Public Works and the Northern Ireland Department of Finance and Personnel.
Initially producing oil-based landscapes, Samantha’s work has shifted towards portraiture and drawing. Regarding her portraiture, she explained: ‘I want to create an intimate relationship between the viewer and the subject. I have made the decision to concentrate on a single figure with an empty background both for the simplicity of the visual effect and because it forces the viewer into an immediate dialogue with the subject. A figure becomes timeless when their environment is removed. I want to focus the viewer’s gaze on the subject so that they can allow themselves an emotional reaction to what they see.’
Samantha’s work, ‘Girl in Checkered Shirt’ is currently on view at the RUA Exhibition at the Ulster Museum, Belfast, until January 4th 2025.
