Colin Davidson’s Portraits Unmask the Hidden Depths of Famous and Ordinary People
Artist Colin Davidson has spent the last 16 years creating over 350 striking portraits from his studio in Bangor, near Belfast. The 150-year-old converted stable block at his home serves as the space where he paints politicians, celebrities, and ordinary people—each time aiming to reveal what lies beneath their public image.
Davidson’s approach to portraiture goes beyond surface appearances. He describes his work as ‘quarrying’ beneath the facade someone presents, uncovering deeper layers of their character. This method has led to powerful depictions, such as his 2016 portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II, where he captured her not as a monarch but as a great-grandmother reflecting on her 90th birthday.
His most acclaimed exhibition, Silent Testimony, showcased 18 individuals who endured profound loss during the Troubles. The series highlighted ordinary people, giving voice to their experiences. Davidson’s commitment to this theme extends beyond his art—he serves as a patron of the Wave Trauma Centre, which supports victims of the conflict. Beyond historical subjects, his work spans cultural and political figures. He has painted Bill Clinton, Angela Merkel, and Seamus Heaney, as well as celebrities like Brad Pitt, whom he depicted looking exhausted and unusually uncertain. In his kitchen, a portrait of Ed Sheeran hangs, watching over the space where Davidson often makes tea. Currently, Davidson has a show running in Dublin. He has also released a new book based on conversations with his friend, BBC journalist Mark Carruthers.
Davidson’s portraits continue to resonate, whether in galleries, books, or his studio in Bangor. His ability to capture unguarded moments—from world leaders to trauma survivors—has cemented his reputation as a portraitist who reveals more than just a likeness. The ongoing exhibition in Dublin and his latest publication further extend his influence in both art and storytelling.
