Anthony Haughey’s series of colour photographs are an evocative portrayal of the complex relationship between the West of Ireland, its landscape and people, and Irelands Diaspora on the East Coast of America. The Western Edge of Europe is a changing world where politics, history and economic hardship have forged the foundations of deeply rooted communities and enriched them with a fluent aural and musical culture. Haughey’s focus on the Great Blasket Island and the depopulated landscapes of western Ireland explores links with the past and vestiges of Irish Culture, and he challenges the populist notion of an Irish cultural Disney Land. Ireland’s Diaspora, the largest single population movement of the 19th century, has created huge global network of people claiming to be of Irish origin. The United States has become a home to millions of Irish people, a symbol of hope and economic freedom to many, whilst retaining unbreakable family ties with their homeland. In the last US census, forty million people claimed Irish ancestry.
From The Edge of Europe by Anthony Haughey
In an interview with Mark Durden (in PORTFOLIO, Issue 25), Anthony Haughey suggests, ‘The experience of many first generation Irish people is one of identity crisis – in between worlds or in limbo, neither existing fully integrated in the home country (Ireland) or host country (America).’
The catalogue of ‘The Edge of Europe’ with bilingual text includes an essay by Fintan O’Toole.
Whilst there is a photography tradition of documenting the American road trip, I felt that traveling by bike would expose me to opportunities and encounters that could be overlooked if travelled by car or bus. Taking a slower pace and being on my own speed allowed me, as an observer passing through small American towns, to see the beauty in the banality of everyday life. I feel the decision to cycle not only gave me a stronger connection the landscape but also to the people I met along the way.
The Edge of Europe by Anthony Haughey
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Anthony Haughey’s series of colour photographs are an evocative portrayal of the complex relationship between the West of Ireland, its landscape and people, and Irelands Diaspora on the East Coast of America. The Western Edge of Europe is a changing world where politics, history and economic hardship have forged the foundations of deeply rooted communities and enriched them with a fluent aural and musical culture. Haughey’s focus on the Great Blasket Island and the depopulated landscapes of western Ireland explores links with the past and vestiges of Irish Culture, and he challenges the populist notion of an Irish cultural Disney Land. Ireland’s Diaspora, the largest single population movement of the 19th century, has created huge global network of people claiming to be of Irish origin. The United States has become a home to millions of Irish people, a symbol of hope and economic freedom to many, whilst retaining unbreakable family ties with their homeland. In the last US census, forty million people claimed Irish ancestry.
In an interview with Mark Durden (in PORTFOLIO, Issue 25), Anthony Haughey suggests, ‘The experience of many first generation Irish people is one of identity crisis – in between worlds or in limbo, neither existing fully integrated in the home country (Ireland) or host country (America).’
The catalogue of ‘The Edge of Europe’ with bilingual text includes an essay by Fintan O’Toole.
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