Niamh Ferguson

Biography

Niamh Ferguson is a Belfast-based printmaker specialising in traditional copper plate etching. Working through meticulous, time-honoured printmaking techniques, she transforms observational drawings into intricate, expressive etchings that reinterpret Irish mythology through a contemporary lens. Her practice explores themes of identity, resilience, memory and transformation, drawing connections between folklore, landscape and the complexities of modern life.Her current body of work, Exploring the Morrígan, investigates layered representations of femininity, power and survival within Irish mythology. Combining urban imagery with natural symbolism, the series reflects on the enduring relevance of myth as a way of understanding contemporary identity and place.Earlier work, inspired by The Children of Lir, examined the relationship between control and freedom through the visual language of steel, concrete, feathers and flight. Referencing the architecture of Northern Ireland's former military and police barracks, these etchings considered both the physical and psychological legacies of division, surveillance and conflict.While Ferguson's earlier practice focused on restriction and control, Exploring the Morrígan represents a shift towards themes of resilience, transformation and empowerment. Through her work, she creates contemplative spaces where history and mythology intersect, inviting viewers to reflect on the continuing influence of cultural narratives within contemporary society.Ferguson's work has been exhibited widely throughout Ireland and internationally, including the Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition at the Ulster Museum for three consecutive years (2022–2024). She has also presented solo exhibitions at Belfast Print Workshop and Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, alongside exhibitions in London, Luxembourg and New York.

Awards

2024 – Arts Council of Northern Ireland, National Lottery Support for the Individual Artist Programme (SIAP) General Arts Award

Education

The Royal Drawing School, London – Autumn Semester (2021)BA (Hons) Painting, Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh (2015–2019)

Exhibitions

2026
Rhythm in Print / Rithim i gCló, Belfast Print
Workshop, BelfastFéile an Phobail Exhibition
St Mary's University College, Belfast

2025

Recent Works, Island Arts Centre, Lisburn
Christmas Members' Exhibition, Belfast Print Workshop
Féile an Phobail Exhibition, St Mary's University College, Belfast
Anseo (Here), Belfast Print Workshop, Belfast

2024

Belfast Print Workshop Christmas Exhibition, Belfast
Ballina Fringe Festival Exhibition, Ballina, Co. Mayo
143rd Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition, Ulster Museum, Belfast
Féile an Phobail Exhibition, St Mary's University College, Belfast
Belfast Photo Festival Exhibition, Belfast Print Workshop,
BelfastArtsFest3, Arts for All, Belfast

2023

142nd Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition, Ulster Museum, Belfast
Mythology and Capture, Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, Belfast
BPW Members' Christmas Exhibition, Belfast Print Workshop, Belfast
Pose to Print, Belfast Print Workshop, Belfast
Resonate, The National, Belfast
Féile 35 Exhibition, St Mary's University College, Belfast
Exploring Themes of Capture and Control Through Irish Mythology (Solo Exhibition), Belfast Print Workshop
6×6 International Exhibition, Rochester Contemporary Art Center, New York, USA
Valentiny Foundation, Schengen, Luxembourg