Changing States: Ireland in the 21st Century

Changing States: Ireland in the 21st Century is the largest group exhibition of Irish photography presented outside Ireland to date. Focusing on the first decades of the 21st century, coinciding with the centenary of the founding of the Irish state, it shows the depth and breadth of contemporary photography in Ireland.

34 leading photographers present works that reflect on major socio-political developments such as changing demographics, cultural identities, contested territories and social reform. Charting the complex transformation from an insular nation-state to a more liberal, globalised and multicultural society.

Featured artists: Ciarán Óg Arnold, Audrey Blue, Enda Bowe, Noel Bowler, Simon Burch, Ala Buisir, Martin Cregg, Eamonn Doyle, Ciarán Dunbar, John Duncan, Robert Ellis, David Farrell, Anthony Haughey, Conor Horgan, Shane Hynan, Bernadette Keating, Jamin Keogh, Shane Lynam, Martin McGagh, Yvette Monahan, Trish Morrissey, Seamus Murphy, Brian Newman, Jackie Nickerson, Kenneth O’Halloran, Shannon Ritchie, Pauline Rowan, Paul Seawright, Niamh Smith, Daragh Soden, Amelia Stein, Lorraine Tuck, Tommy Weir and Donovan Wylie.

The exhibition and catalogue present three key themes: “Political Landscapes”, “Notions of Home” and “Changing Identities”. Encompassing diverse vantage points of the medium, ranging from documentary photography towards socially engaged and conceptual approaches Changing States critically reframes contemporary life across the island of Ireland. The exhibition also features a screen installation featuring an overview of Photo Museum Ireland’s collection and the work of documentary photographer Tony O’Shea from the 1980s-1990s.

‍

Changing States is a curatorial partnership between Haus am Kleistpark, Photo Museum Ireland and IKS Photo, Düsseldorf. The presentation of this exhibition reflects a commitment to providing space for open conversations and debate in cultural institutions.