Dr O’Beirn received the prize for her exhibition We Lose Sight of the Night, curated by Hugh Mulholland and presented at The MAC, Belfast, from 17 April to 22 June 2025.
The award was announced by AICA Ireland, the Irish section of the International Association of Art Critics, which represents professionals engaged in critical discourse, research and writing on the visual arts. The new annual prize has been established to recognise outstanding exhibitions presented across the island of Ireland.
Dr O’Beirn’s exhibition was the first in a series at The MAC exploring themes of climate and environmental change, bringing together a major body of her work examining the relationship between art and science.
Born in Galway and now based in Belfast, Dr O’Beirn’s practice spans sculpture, installation, animation and site-specific projects, often drawing on scientific research and ecological themes to explore humanity’s relationship with the natural world.
Speaking on receiving the award, Dr O’Beirn said:
“I am absolutely delighted to receive the inaugural AICA Ireland Annual Honorary Prize. We Lose Sight of the Night was an ambitious exhibition that brought together many strands of my practice exploring how art and science can intersect to help us reflect on environmental change.
"It is particularly meaningful to receive this recognition while working and teaching at Ulster University’s Belfast School of Art, where these ideas around interdisciplinary practice and environmental awareness are also central to my teaching and research.”
The exhibition explored the environmental and cultural implications of artificial light and the loss of dark skies, inviting audiences to consider how technological and ecological systems shape our perception of the night.
Dr Brian Dixon, Head of the Belfast School of Art at Ulster University, said the award recognises the significance of Dr O’Beirn’s work within contemporary art practice. He said:
“Aisling’s work exemplifies the innovative and interdisciplinary approach that defines the Belfast School of Art. Her practice bridges art and scientific enquiry in a way that opens up important conversations about climate and environmental change.
“This recognition from AICA Ireland highlights the impact of her work both within the arts sector and in broader public discussions around our relationship with the environment.”
AICA Ireland established the prize in 2026 following a model developed by the Belgian section of AICA. A committee of eight critics from across the four provinces of Ireland selected a shortlist of outstanding exhibitions staged in 2025 before announcing Dr O’Beirn as the inaugural winner.
The award acknowledges the role of critics and art writers in highlighting significant artistic practice and supporting the development of artists across Ireland.
Dr O’Beirn’s research and teaching at Ulster University focus on interdisciplinary approaches to contemporary art, encouraging students to explore connections between creative practice, scientific inquiry and environmental awareness.
Photo Credit: Gorgeous Photography, courtesy of the MAC
