Energy In Art
The ‘Energy In Art’ Programme was an innovative partnership between Phoenix Natural Gas and the University of Ulster, launched in early 2005. The programme presented the opportunity to engage emerging artists in an innovative challenge encompassing a competition, exhibition and acquisition of artworks by Phoenix as well as members of the public.
Energy In Art 2006:
Now in its second year, the 2006 ‘Energy In Art’ initiative challenged students from the School of Art and Design to ‘create a original piece of art to celebrate the benefits of natural gas has delivered locally in the last 10 years.’ Over 70 pieces of original art poured in from students from all over Northern Ireland, of whom twelve were recognised for their ‘works of art’ and contribution to the partnership between Phoenix and the University.
The overall winner was Fin Clements, whose piece below entitled ‘I am ten’ was unveiled at a ceremony at Phoenix Headquarters on Tuesday 21st November 2006.
In her own words, Fin describes the piece that fired the imagination of the judges and is now proudly displayed in Phoenix’s reception area;
“The girl in the painting is my daughter. She and Phoenix share a birthday and both are celebrating 10 years in 2006. This is cause for celebration and I wanted to draw an analogy between Phoenix and ‘the girl’ growing up in Northern Ireland. This girl is celebrating because Phoenix offers her a future with a cleaner environment. She is playing on a local beach – full of energy she plays against an unspoilt natural background.
She is comfortably kept warm outdoors by her Phoenix body warmer.
The painting is on a primed canvas with oils, and it is my intention to display the energy of the girl through the art.”
To view the full 2006 Energy In Art Press Release, visit our News section.
Energy In Art 2005.
70 pieces of original art were entered by the students and the college stated that this was a record submission for such a competition. The awards night took place on Tuesday 19th April 2005 at Phoenix Natural Gas Headquarter, followed the next day by an ‘open to the public’ exhibition from 1pm – 3pm. The awards night was attended by over 80 people from the art world, media and the energy industry. Phoenix awarded four winners and 10 highly commended artists. This artwork was purchased by the company to erect throughout the building.
Pictured below (L-R) is Phoenix Natural Gas Chief Executive Peter Dixon, the overall winner of the 2005 Energy In Art competition, Maria McKinney and Mark Ainsworth, Senior Lecturer at the School of Art and Design at the University of Ulster.
