Events Archive

A collection of images and digital stories exploring experiences of migration to Ireland and the process of seeking asylum.

All the work was created as part of a collaborative project in Newbridge, Co. Kildare over a period of four months

"We are fragmented beings who cement ourselves together, but there are always cracks" (Siri Husvedt).

Identity is always changing, affected by new experiences, new connections, loss and hope. It is through bridging the cracks that we can begin to move forward and create a better life, finding new places and ways of being, while acknowledging our roots and past experiences.

The photographs and stories in this exhibition are the result of a four-month collaboration between visual ethnographer Zoë O’Reilly and a group of eight individuals from different corners of the world, living in Newbridge and seeking asylum in Ireland.

The work is part of a doctoral research project being carried out by Zoë O’Reilly at NUI Maynooth exploring the everyday lived experience of seeking asylum in Ireland and living in the ‘direct provision’ system. Throughout the project, participants have developed photographic and visual awareness skills, photographing their views and experiences around various topics related to coming to, and living in, Ireland. The photographs have become vehicles for discussion during workshops, opening a path for sharing ideas and experiences.

For some, photography and using a camera has been a new experience. For others, the project meant using existing skills in new ways. While themes for discussion were initially suggested, the work emerged mainly from collective discussions and individual interests and developing photographic styles. Most of the photographs were taken in Newbridge and surrounding areas including Dublin.

The images, words and stories in this exhibition are an acknowledgement of the attempt to bridge the cracks, both within the self and between the self and others, between people and places, between communities, between understandings, between loss and hope. Lodged in the work is an inherent awareness of both instability and hope in changing circumstances. It is hoped that the exhibition may create a dialogue with its audience, sharing insights and experiences and opening up a platform for discussion.

The exhibition opens on Monday July 12th at 6pm with some light entertainment and food. This is a free event, all welcome. A New Bridge will be on display at Riverbank Arts Centre until July 16th.

 

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