Matthew Clifford is an Irish artist whose work focuses on capitalist societal structures and the degradation of the landscape. Originally from Co. Donegal, he is now based in Belfast, where he is a 2nd year student studying a BA in photography and video at the Belfast School of Art, Ulster University. Prior to this, Matthew completed a Foundation year in Art and Design, also at Ulster University. Through his studies, he has gained experience in exhibiting his work, featuring in exhibitions such as the 2023 Belfast School of Art Graduate Show, State of Mind at PS², Belfast, and the Ulster University Photo Fair 2025. He also played a vital role in the organisation, curation and printing of the Ulster University Photo Fair 2025, providing him with a wide range of skills and experience in exhibiting and curating a gallery space.
Matthew is also the Vice-Chairperson of the Photography Society at Ulster University, through which he has collaborated with other artists, coordinated events and pushed photography outside of the degree. With the photography society, he has become a key editor and curator of Punctum Publishing, a semestral magazine used to expand the audience of students’ photographic work.
Matthew’s practice investigates issues surrounding the political landscape and environmental concerns, using photography as his selected medium. In previous projects, he has taken many different approaches to photography, looking at personal experiences in urban and rural landscapes, the mundane and monotonous everyday life and the future of the Earth’s ecology.
Exhibitions
UU Photo Fair, 2025
State of Mind, PS², 2024
Belfast School of Art Graduate Show, 2023
Awards
Dean's List - 2023/24