Inspirational Arts Photography Graduate Award 2019

Gary Byrne, 18 Nautical Miles
Technological University Dublin

This project contemplates ‘Brexit’ and its implications for the islands of Ireland and Great Britain. Focusing on ports, seascapes and spaces around the south-east coast of England and Ireland, these photographs present a man-altered landscape and the crumbling sea walls and cliffs that delineate the borders of each island. A blurring of documentary evidence and fictional narrative takes place to show an imagined future – a dark, dreary and dystopian landscape.

This work is a conceptual take on the many transformations being wrought by the separation of these islands from Europe, as the UK begins its political and legal separation from the EU. The title refers to the measurement of the shortest distance between the mainland of Europe and the English coast.
instagram.com/garybgary

Louise Wallace, Hidden in Hazel
Limerick School of Art and Design

This project explores the interactions faced by those living an existence free from rapid digital connections and data exchange. Hidden in Hazel offers four glimpsed character studies of people who choose to live a more isolated ‘analogue’ existence with little or no connection to the digital realm, instead choosing to focus on their own personal creative endeavours and unique existences. The investigation is based in a remote part of the Burren known as the New Line. Wallace creates a collaborative experience with these four characters, and documents the importance of these residual ‘analogue people’ who have chosen to exist without any digital footprint. In it, she proposes that the relation developed with the four protagonists is as important as the resulting artworks.
louisewallacevisualart.com

Sadhbh Kenny, (un)Steady
Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology

(un)Steady is based on conversations surrounding relationships and modern dating amongst my generation. It is comprised of 11 portraits and a short film in which people discuss their opinions of the trials and tribulations of modern dating in our society, from “ghosting” to their expectations of love, this project describes how technology and modern influences have affected this generations view on relationships.
5adhbh.com