A new portrait exhibition at Ranfurly House in Dungannon, County Tyrone, examines the human impact of the cost of living through a series of oil paintings and short films. The exhibition, titled The Cost of Living: A Collection of Portraits by Jade Magee, runs throughout July.

Artist Jade Magee, who grew up in nearby Moygashel, said she wanted to move beyond financial hardship and explore how life’s challenges shape people through emotions such as joy, grief, stress, love, hope and disappointment. She described the majority of her subjects as ordinary people from County Tyrone, with a focus on their resilience.

Each painting is paired with a filmed interview in which the subjects tell their own stories. Magee explained that hearing their experiences before painting allowed her to capture more than just a likeness.

Among the youngest subjects is three-year-old Hatty from Moneymore, who was diagnosed with childhood leukaemia on her second birthday after what initially appeared to be a cold. Her mother, Victoria Smyth, said the family felt honoured to take part. Hatty was excited to see her portrait, particularly how the artist depicted her curly hair, and the experience provided a positive moment during a difficult time.

Also on display is a portrait of Hatty’s 98-year-old great-grandmother, Mary Brown, from Pomeroy. Brown recalled growing up without running water, electricity or telephones, playing with other children on neighbouring farms. She expressed surprise at seeing herself on a gallery wall and said neighbours now joke about her being a celebrity.

During her interview, Brown spoke about losing her last surviving sibling and the loneliness that kept her housebound until a sunny day prompted her to re-engage with life. She said kindness is the key to good health.

Magee said she was grateful to those who shared their stories, adding that the people she met are the real masterpieces and she simply applies paint to canvas.