Niall Ruddy is a Northern Irish photographer and writer based in Busan, South Korea. He completed his MFA in photography through the University of Ulster and graduated in 2021. His written and photographic work has previously been published by National Geographic Traveller, Foreign Literary Journal, Doire Press, Wordlegs Magazine, Groove Korea and Arts Busan Magazine.
His poignant work delves into themes of migration, conflict, and the intricate interplay between the past and present. Born and raised in the midst of Northern Ireland’s complex sociopolitical landscape, Niall draws inspiration from the region’s turbulent history and the enduring struggles of its people. Through the lens of his camera, he navigates the intricate layers of memory, displacement, and resilience, inviting viewers to confront the complexities of identity and belonging.
Education
- 2021: MFA Photography - University of Ulster, Belfast
- 2004: BA Media Studies - University of Ulster, Coleraine
- 2021: MFA Photography - University of Ulster, Belfast
- 2004: BA Media Studies - University of Ulster, Coleraine
Exhibition Record
- 2023: "FORM" - Group Exhibition @ CICA Museum of Art
- 2022: "ESC" - Group Exhibition @ Haeundae Atelier Gallery, Busan
- 2022: "He made a Fortress from his House" - Solo Exhibition @ Gallery Sujeong, Busan
- 2021: "A Lightness of Touch" — Group Exhibition @ Belfast Exposed Gallery, Belfast
- 2020: "현대사진영상학회국제사진전" - Group Exhibition @ TOMA Gallery, Daegu (Website)
- 2023: "FORM" - Group Exhibition @ CICA Museum of Art
- 2022: "ESC" - Group Exhibition @ Haeundae Atelier Gallery, Busan
- 2022: "He made a Fortress from his House" - Solo Exhibition @ Gallery Sujeong, Busan
- 2021: "A Lightness of Touch" — Group Exhibition @ Belfast Exposed Gallery, Belfast
- 2020: "현대사진영상학회국제사진전" - Group Exhibition @ TOMA Gallery, Daegu (Website)
Public Collections
- 2021: "Lookout Tower" from "He made a Fortress from his House" project acquired by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
- 2021: "Lookout Tower" from "He made a Fortress from his House" project acquired by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Publication History
- Best Cities to Eat in the World 2024 (Photoshoot): Eater.com
- Say Sue Me (Photoshoot, article): Platform Magazine, Issue 4
- "He made a Fortress from his House" (Photo book): YOONI Publishing, May 2022 (ISBN 979-11-968271-9-9)
- Gangwondo (Photo Essay, article): Foreign Literary Journal, Issue 4
- Busan: After the Corona Virus, A New Normal in South Korea (Photo Essay, article): National Geographic Traveller, April 2020
- "Drawing: Violence and Passions of the Paper" (Exhibition profile, article): Arts Busan Magazine, Summer 2018
- A Place Called Home (Travel profile, article): Groove Korea Magazine, Summer 2016
- Robscenity (Artist profile, article): Busan Haps Magazine, Summer 2015
- Changwon (Travel profile, article): Groove Korea Magazine, Winter 2014
- How Far Would You Swim (Short story, fiction): 30 Under 30: A Selection of Short Fiction by Thirty Young Irish Writers
- Where the Sun Sets Next is None of my Concern (Short story, fiction): Wordlegs presents: 30 Under 30 (I) Anthology
- Another City (Short story, fiction): Wordlegs Magazine, Autumn 2010
- Best Cities to Eat in the World 2024 (Photoshoot): Eater.com
- Say Sue Me (Photoshoot, article): Platform Magazine, Issue 4
- "He made a Fortress from his House" (Photo book): YOONI Publishing, May 2022 (ISBN 979-11-968271-9-9)
- Gangwondo (Photo Essay, article): Foreign Literary Journal, Issue 4
- Busan: After the Corona Virus, A New Normal in South Korea (Photo Essay, article): National Geographic Traveller, April 2020
- "Drawing: Violence and Passions of the Paper" (Exhibition profile, article): Arts Busan Magazine, Summer 2018
- A Place Called Home (Travel profile, article): Groove Korea Magazine, Summer 2016
- Robscenity (Artist profile, article): Busan Haps Magazine, Summer 2015
- Changwon (Travel profile, article): Groove Korea Magazine, Winter 2014
- How Far Would You Swim (Short story, fiction): 30 Under 30: A Selection of Short Fiction by Thirty Young Irish Writers
- Where the Sun Sets Next is None of my Concern (Short story, fiction): Wordlegs presents: 30 Under 30 (I) Anthology
- Another City (Short story, fiction): Wordlegs Magazine, Autumn 2010