Ken Finegan Photographic Exhibition
Ken Finegan
“Tír na nÓg”
July 2nd – 30th
Basement Gallery Dundalk
Artist’s Statement.
“Tir na nOg” is based on a small Church of Ireland National School in Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland. The school is home to one hundred and thirty pupils from forty four different nationalities. “Tir na nOg” is Irish for “Land of Youth” in Irish mythology where Gods and fortunate mortals remained eternally young and lived in perfect harmony wanting for nothing.
Ireland during the “Celtic Tiger” period attracted a multicultural population to its shores expecting a better quality of life, the modern “Tir na nOg”. Ireland’s population grew enormously over that period and “Tir na nOg” lived up to its reputation until the advent of the global recession.
The photographs of pupils, shot in the deadpan aesthetic, captures the character and spirit within each child, taken in the environment of the school and its grounds. This environment may to us, born and raised in Ireland appear dull, normal, possibly even boring but to these pupils from other countries it is not. Ireland’s culture, mythology, sport and language adorn the walls and corridors of the school ready to be soaked up by these willing minds. I think we should celebrate the ordinary in life.
Initially I thought this series of pictures were applicable only to Dundalk but after reflection I think it is a true indication of life within the whole island of Ireland.
Ken Finegan
