Biography
Although Adrian achieved joint first place in Northern Ireland in A-Level Art and Design, he opted out of going to Art College in favour of pursuing his academic studies. This relative freedom prevented formal artistic instruction from quashing Adrian’s notably individual style.
Adrian’s time at Ulster University gained him a First Class Honours degree in Communication, Advertising and Marketing, the OFCOM Jonathan Hannah award for Integrated Communication and the IAS Smarts award for his research which focused on the role of marketers in increasing and diversifying audiences for the arts in Northern Ireland.
As an undergraduate, Adrian juggled his studies with life as an exhibiting artist but took up a role in Corporate Communications with a large global firm after graduating. He soon realised it was not the life for him though, and gave up the day job to focus on becoming a full-time artist in 2008. Adrian has never looked back.
In 2010, the young artist was awarded funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland to stage a series of high profile solo exhibitions across Northern Ireland which marked a significant uplift in his career. Adrian spent the next ten years exhibiting widely across the island of Ireland. As a result of Covid restrictions however, Adrian has transitioned to showcasing his latest collections through innovative online virtual exhibitions and has became well-known for his online home-schooling tutorials for children during the first lockdown.
Adrian’s interest in the area of entrepreneurship within the Creative Industries compelled him to undertake a PhD in the field. He completed his doctoral research at Queen’s University in 2014. No doubt this unusual mix helps explain Adrian’s success in the commercial art world to date.
Although best known for his depictions of Irish landscape, musical themes are also often found in Adrian’s work too. In his younger years he was highly commended in the final of Northern Ireland Young Musician of the Year and received scholarships to study voice at the Ulster College of Music. His studies there earned him the title (LLCM) Licentiate of the London College of Music. Until recently, Adrian performed regularly with the Belfast Philharmonic Choir.
In 2016 Adrian moved his Kilrea studio and gallery to the North Coast for the summer season. Given the success of the gallery at 99 Mark Street Portrush, Adrian relocated his practice there on a more permanent basis and joined forces with his wife and fellow artist Evana Bjourson to create Margey & Bjourson Art Studio & Gallery. The couple have set-up home in the area also and are now raising their young family on the stunning Causeway Coast. Being immersed in his inspiration on a daily basis has brought a new vigour and maturity to Adrian’s work over the past few years.
Adrian can boast an ever-growing following both nationally and internationally. Exciting times are afoot for the artist as his work continues to evolve and climb the ranks of the competitive Irish Art Market.