Irish artist Joe Caslin’s trans visibility mural “SEEN” has been shortlisted for the 2026 AIB Portrait Prize at the National Gallery of Ireland.
The 50-foot artwork shows a young trans man standing with arrows piercing his body, representing the prejudice and hostility faced by trans people. His calm stance is meant to reflect resilience.
Caslin created the mural with 12 LGBTQIA+ refugees and displaced people from Ukraine connected to the Irish Red Cross Ukrainian Community Centre. The project explored identity, belonging and what it means to be visible in Ireland.
Getting the mural onto a Dublin wall was also a challenge. Caslin reportedly approached around 27 businesses before finding a site willing to host it. The project then went through a lengthy planning process before receiving permission.
Now, “SEEN” has been selected among 26 works for this year’s AIB Portrait Prize exhibition. It will go on display at the National Gallery of Ireland’s Portrait Gallery from November 14, 2026, to March 14, 2027.
The winner will be announced on December 2 and will receive €15,000, along with a €5,000 commission for the National Portrait Collection.
For Caslin, the recognition gives “SEEN” another opportunity to start conversations about trans visibility and discrimination. It also continues his history of using public art to tackle social issues, including his famous “Claddagh Embrace” mural supporting marriage equality.
With “SEEN” now heading to the National Gallery, its message about visibility is reaching an even bigger audience.
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