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13 Sept 2025

Waterford Gallery reveals winning photo chosen to lead exhibition from over 500 entries

Over 500 entries were submitted from across Ireland, with one powerful photo chosen to lead the exhibition in Waterford

Waterford Gallery reveals winning photo chosen to lead exhibition from over 500 entries

The Waterford Gallery of Art has announced the winner of its The Sea Around Us photography competition, which drew more than 500 submissions from nearly 200 artists across the island of Ireland.

The winning entry, selected by a panel of judges for its "visceral, emotive, and captivating" qualities, will now take pride of place in the upcoming The Sea Around Us exhibition.

German-born artist and writer Linn Hansen, who lives in Dublin, claimed the top prize. Her work, which spans photography, filmmaking, illustration, and creative writing, was praised for capturing both the beauty and the power of the sea.

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Judging panel member Marina Mulligan said Hansen's photograph "creates a composition that captures the essence of the sea in a way that feels both timeless and personal," while Waterford-born photographer John Foley called it "a very deserved winner."

Hansen's piece will be exhibited alongside highly commended competition entries and major works from the Waterford Art Collection. Visitors will also see paintings, sculptures, sound and installation art from well-known names, including Paul Henry, Mick O'Dea, Clare Scott, and Síle Walsh.

The Sea Around Us opens at the Waterford Gallery of Art on Culture Night, Friday, September 19, with a launch at 6pm.

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