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Ray Duncan is a painter and long term educator based in Belfast. He is one of the founders of Creative Exchange Studio group based in East Belfast, starting the group in recognition of the need for sustainable studios for artists in the east of the city. 

 

Abstract painting has been a thread running throughout Ray Duncan’s work since the 1960’s. Duncan’s approach to the application of paint to a canvas is an evolutionary process, mixing the colours directly onto the surface incorporating chance and accident and taking a series of calculated risks. This process produces an emotional reaction presented in paint. 

 

Ray Duncan has since the 1960’s played an active role in the arts scene in Belfast. He was part of a studio group on May Street and later in response to the lack of local venues for artists to showcase work held a series of ‘House Shows’ in artists’ houses in the city. He was involved in the Ulster Arts Club running a gallery for many years and helped to establish Elmwood Gallery. Duncan is an experienced art educator with over forty years teaching art and design at Park Parade Secondary School, Lurgan College and Castlereagh College. 

 

Most recent exhibitions include Contemporary Art of Northern Ireland #5 at Island Arts Centre, Lisburn (2024)