An innovative photo exhibition, showcasing people with a Galway connection born in every year from 1916 to the present day is now on display in the US. The collection of portraits formed the basis for a black and white photo-book, Rising Beyond - celebrating a Century of Galway People which was released earlier this year on the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The photo exhibition was previously on display at the city museum for a number of months.
The exhibition is being hosted in the Irish Cultural Centre facility in Canton (Boston ) until September 2, before showings in The Irish Heritage Center in Portland, ME, and then in Boston City Hall galleries through the month of October.
The project is the brainchild of Galway photographers, Ian McDonald, Bill Barry, and Enda O'Loughlin. The three are all members of Loughrea Camera Club and their shared love of photography led them to undertake this artistic assignment.
The photobook and exhibition display the progression of Galway city and county over the past 100 years, through its people. Galway’s population and their diverse roles in rural and urban life have contributed to the many changes which have taken place in the area over the past century.
There are portraits of those who have made an unnoticed contribution to their local community or even within their family group, along with images of well known, high profile, faces from the world of sport, business, politics, media, and the arts.
Mayor of Boston Martin Walsh is thrilled to welcome the exhibition to his city. "I want to thank everyone involved in the Galway 100 to One Project for bringing new visibility and new understanding to the people and the communities that make up our shared history. I am honoured to be included, as I am continually honoured to be a part of the great Galway diaspora."
Vice president of the Irish Association of Former Parliamentarians, Sean Sherwin congratulated those involved in the initiative. "This project is indeed a unique way in capturing the details of ordinary Irish people from within Galway County through the succeeding 100 years from 1916 to 2015 and if given half a chance to expand, this project could take on national importance."
The book which is shot in black and white is certainly an attractive coffee table addition. For more information on this project, check out the 100 to One project on Facebook or e-mail [email protected].
+ Rising Beyond - celebrating a Century of Galway People, is available to purchase with all proceeds going to charity. Copies are available on line from kennys.ie at a cost of €20 p&p included.
