Bio:
Seán Kelly (B. London 2000) is an Irish photographer and visual artist based in Offaly and Dublin, Ireland. Seán recently graduated with a First Class Honours BA (Hons) Degree in Photography from the Institute of Art Design + Technology, Dún Laoghaire. Originally from rural Offaly, his practice focuses on documenting the ongoing changes to his native Midlands as peat harvesting, an industry that is historically important for the area, albeit harmful for the environment, comes to a permanent end in the era of climate change. He combines documentary photography with interview audio, moving image work, archive images and personal anecdotes to examine and document the ongoing changes as Ireland moves towards a more sustainable future in the Anthropocene. Community is at the forefront of Seán's work and his work has a strong emphasis on documenting community traditions and rural ways of life before they fade away.
Seán is also an experienced sports, events and live music photographer and is available for bookings.
Seán is currently serving as the President of IADT Students' Union for the 2023-2024 Academic Year.
Seán's graduate work was shortlisted amongst 26 graduate artists for the RDS Visual Art Awards 2023, the most prestigious platform for visual art graduates in Ireland.
Artist Statement:
I am a photographer and visual artist based between Offaly and Dublin, Ireland. Community is at the forefront of my practice and my life, community is vital when you live in rural Ireland as I do. My photographic practice aims to document ways of life in rural Irish Midland communities before they fade away and are forgotten. Documenting the boglands of the Midlands is a large part of my practice and I use several mediums to do this including documentary photography, audio recordings, interviews, moving image, archival imagery and documents. I present my work through the usage of the photobook as well as multimedia installation.
Education:
BA (Hons) in Photography - Institute of Art, Design + Technology Dún Laoghaire (2019-2023) Graduated in 2023 with First Class Honours.
Exhibitions:
Offaly Artists Show 2023 – Group Exhibition, Esker Arts Centre, Tullamore, Co Offaly. Curated by Patrick T. Murphy, Director of the Royal Hibernian Academy (4th November - 22nd December 2023)
It’s All Downhill From Here – Group Graduate Exhibition, Institute of Art, Design + Technology, Dún Laoghaire (25th-31st May 2023)
Publications:
Abhaile (2022) – Self-published photobook.
Derrygreenagh (2022) – Self-published photobook.
The Anthropocene in Ireland - What Role Can Photography Play in Ireland's Turf Crisis? (2023) – Thesis in candidacy for BA (Hons) in Photography - Available to read on request.
To contact Seán about bookings, general queries, or anything at all, use the form below!
Photo by Tyrell McBride
Thank you! Seán will be in contact soon.