By Dan Walsh at Gorey Library
A new photography exhibition, “Shared Space: Life at the Courtown Hotel,” featuring the work by asylum seekers living in the Courtown Hotel was officially opened by Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr Joe Sullivan in Gorey Library today (Saturday).
Created on mobile phones during a three-month workshop led by Irish photographer JP Keating, this work is part of a documentary series.
A year ago, Keating asked men at the IPAS centre about documenting their lives. This year, he returned to teach them photography, enabling them to chronicle their own experiences in Ireland for the first time.
Cllr Sullivan described the exhibition as “personal glimpses into the lives of people who have had to leave home, find safety, and start again in a place that’s new to them.”
Cllr Sullivan; “This exhibition gives us a chance to step into someone else’s experience, to understand a little more about what it is like to live in the Courtown Hotel, and to connect with people whose lives are different from our own.
“What makes this exhibition so special is that these men are now part of that story. They’ve brought their own experiences, perspectives and creativity into our county adding a new layer to Wexford’s cultural life,” concluded Cllr Sullivan.
JP Keating said; “My intention with Shared Space is to open a conversation between the residents of the hotel and the local community – to allow people see beyond the walls, to recognise the human faces and lives within, and to use photography as a way of creating connection and belonging.”
Cllr Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council added his support to the exhibition, congratulated all concerned and said; “It is a real pleasure to be here at this exhibition launch today.”
Also adding support by his presence was Craig Lang, Chairman of Courtown Tidy Towns’ and Chairman of Riverchapel Community Complex. Stephanie Warner from the Local Authority Integration Team acted as master of ceremonies.
Support for the project was provided by Wexford County Council’s Local Authority Integration Team (LAIT) and Wexford Local Development.
The exhibition is open to the public in Gorey Library until Saturday, September 20th. Admission is FREE. All are welcome.
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