Art student Ciarán Harper became the latest recipient of the prestigious Carson McDowell Solicitors Prize at the opening of the Ulster University Belfast School of Art degree show.

His winning piece, African Grey, has been purchased by the Belfast-based firm and added to its growing art collection.

Michael Johnston, managing partner of Carson McDowell, explained: “Each year Carson McDowell awards an arts prize to a Fine Arts student at Ulster University and in addition we purchase the winning piece. Ciarán’s art is striking in its quality and subject matter and we were instantly drawn to it. Ciarán has a lot to say and contribute through his art and we will be following his career with interest.”

Originally from Leicester City, Mr Harper moved to Kilcoo in the Mournes at the age of 10.

He was a student of St. Malachy’s P.S Kilcoo, St. Coleman’s College in Newry and South East Regional College in Downpatrick before earning his BA Hons degree at the Ulster University Belfast School of Art.

Mr Harper’s art is inspired by his Caribbean background and his various travels around the world. He is currently exploring Thailand.