Dubs
Dubs (A colloquial name for people from Dublin) is a series of evocative photographs of Dubliners and their city captured as the 1970s gave way to 1980s. The work is a powerful portrayal of the citizens of Dublin at work and at play – protesting and parading; hawking and trading; busking and begging; courting and sunbathing – against a backdrop of crisis, neglect and decay. An introduction by historian Daithí Ó Corráin, essay by Peter Sheridan and an interview with the photographer place these important images in context. Published: 2024.
Available from: https://hitonebooks.ie
Holy Pictures
Holy Pictures captures the last vestiges of popular devotional practices once widespread in Ireland. Tony Murray’s vivid images from the late 1970s and early 1980s are a compelling record of an aspect of Irish life that has largely disappeared. By turns poignant and surreal, the photographs depict pilgrims, devotees and true believers against the backdrop of a changing Ireland. An introduction by historian Daithí Ó Corráin and interview by photo historian Orla Fitzpatrick place these important images in context.
Published by https://hitonebooks.ie
Secular Graves
Secular Graves explores the secularisation of graves in Ireland. Until recently Ireland was a predominant Roman Catholic country. This was reflected in the religious devotion evident in cemeteries across the country. However, with the increasing secularisation of society, graves are more likely to be adorned with symbols of popular culture.
Camino Mortuorum
Camino Mortuorum records the practice of pilgrims who leave momentous, photographs and offerings to commemorate loved ones who have died or are sick as they walk the Camino de Santiago. As the photograph become weather-beaten beaten, they fade and decay–perhaps a fitting metaphor to those walking the Camino.
The Ambiguous Image
Historically often regarded as empirical evidence of a historical fact or event–the camera never lies. As an antidote to my documentary work this work plays with ambiguities – creating images which question what is real. Perspective, lighting, and close-up details can radically distort the look of objects. These distortions can be both bewildering and delightful.
Street
A collection of street photographs. In recent years street photography has become more difficult and perhaps even dangerous. In a world where street photographers are a subject of suspicion: a danger to children, an intrusion of privacy; or a representative of 'big state' I am less inclined to photograph on the street in a way I would have done in the 80s and 90s.
