Artists: Conor Horgan*, Jialin Long, Shane Lynam*, Eimear Lynch, Fionn McCann*, Jan McCullough, Malcolm McGettigan*, Yvette Monahan*, Kate Nolan*, Clodagh O’Leary, Ciara Richardson, Daragh Soden, Brían Sparks*, Pádraig Spillane, Izabela Szczutkowska, Agata Stoinska*, Ruby Wallis [ * – Island Photographers ]
The form of photographic practice has expanded in recent times and the RHA invited artists to respond to the spatial magnitude of the largest gallery in Ireland, with many responding to the open spaces with in-the-round works to create something beyond the typical photo show. Pictured here is: the prosaic everyday made poetic; reflections on both psychic and human-altered landscapes; art documentary; constructed abstractions; observations on borders, invisible and hidden; meditations on sexuality and objectification; the interconnectedness of nature and reflections on Ireland losing its welcoming spirit. Throughout it all, a collage of Irish cultural identity—and our contemporary photographers’ place within it—is revealed.
This exhibition is the result of a collaboration between the RHA’s exhibition department and the artist-led group Island Photographers, who foster engagement with and understanding of photography in Ireland, both in the fine art realm and the broader lens-based culture industry through talks, events and workshops. All eight members are participating in the show.
Images:
01. Yvette Monahan, Mother I from the series This Unending Story, 2019, Image courtesy of the artist.
02. Kate Nolan, from the series Lacuna, 2017, Image courtesy of the artist.
03. Conor Horgan, Edge 31 from the series EDGE, 2025, Image courtesy of the artist.
04. Brían Sparks, Back-Up from the series Baile I, 2024, Image courtesy of the artist.
05. Agata Stoinska, from the series Echoes of a Dream, 2024, Image courtesy of the artist.
06. Fionn McCann, Derrinlough, 2024, Image courtesy of the artist.
07. Malcolm McGettigan, from the series Take Stock, 2021, Image courtesy of the artist.
All images courtesy of the artists
#archipelagoshow
