Dead Zoo in Blue, Ishmael Claxton

Ishmael Claxton has immersed himself in the spaces and collections of the Dead Zoo, bringing his own unique perspective as an African American living in Ireland to the images he has captured. His use of a special blue-tinted filmstock references the Irish term for a black person, “duine gorma,” which literally translates to “blue skin”. This considered medium and careful lighting “paints” an atmosphere that normal photography is unable to evoke, providing a new visual perspective on the animals and spaces – creating something unique.

Through his explorations through collections both colonial and parochial, Ishmael has shone a light of a new sort, offering a glimpse of the intangible and magical – enriching the beholder’s sense of the Dead Zoo from the perspective of an artist of colour. 

ishmaelclaxton.com/ 

For those that are not familiar with the project, TLP Editions is an ongoing collection, produced and designed by PhotoIreland, that presents work by contemporary artists in the form of uncomplicated publications. These are available through The Library Project in-store and online. All and any funds generated by the project go to producing more copies of the publications, ensuring we can keep promoting the artists and practices represented. These editions are regularly showcased and donated to international events and festivals, such as the Icelandic Photography Festival recently. In addition, TLP Editions also grace some important shelves and collections, including that of the Hasselblad Foundation Library and the Martin Parr Foundation.

You can find a list of all the TLP Editions here.

PhotoIreland is kindly supported by the Arts Council of Ireland to develop support projects such as the TLP Editions.

Published by PhotoIreland
Edition of 200
Softcover
84 pages
148 × 210 mm