Clinton in the frame for Waterfront exhibition

Clinton, an emerging artist with studios in the city centre, said he was thrilled to be invited to display his work at the gallery and is delighted that his years of hard work have been rewarded.

The 27-year-old, who is a former student of Friends’ School, returned home to Lisburn in 2008 and has since worked hard to establish himself on the arts scene here.

After finishing his degree in England, Clinton moved back to Northern Ireland and almost two years ago set up his studio in Market Square.

“I love being in the city centre,” he said. “I really wanted to get to know people here and the Lisburn Arts Advisory Committee have been very supportive.”

Since moving back to Lisburn, Clinton has displayed his work in a number of galleries and spaces, including a prestigious exhibition at the Ulster Hall in Belfast.

However, the upcoming exhibition at the Waterfront Hall, which opens on March 1 and runs for three weeks, will be his biggest yet, and will feature brand new work based on his recent time spent in Kenya.

“I have been working on the show for the past eight months and I can’t believe it is nearly here,” continued Clinton. “It came around so fast. I still have some small pieces to do but the large scale work is pretty much done. It is just the last push now.

“It is nice to have work in such an establishment and it is nice to have the recognition.

“All the work is based on my time in Kenya and I have two bodies of work - abstract and figurative,” he explained. “It is very much my imagination mixed with reality.”

To accompany the exhibition, Clinton has also been invited to present an artist talk at the Waterfront on March 22 at 10am, in association with Aids Care Education and Training.

To book a place, contact 9033 4423.