At the Heart of Ireland: My Self-Portraits Unveiled in a Unique Exhibition
I had the immense pleasure of taking part in a truly special photo exhibition last June, right here in Scariff, Ireland. Titled “Foreign land, a place or state of mind,” it was brilliantly organized by Avia Gurman Murphy. The theme encouraged exploring powerful ideas like displacement, belonging, and even our inner landscapes. I showcased two of my self-portraits, a way for me to share my own intimate journey into these profound subjects.
My Experience Exhibiting in Ireland
This photo exhibition in Ireland, “Foreign land,” was a real success. It brought together artists from incredibly diverse backgrounds, all eager to delve into identity and perception. Avia Gurman Murphy masterfully created an atmosphere where each artwork connected with the others, prompting visitors to reflect on their own relationship with the world and themselves. Scariff Library, as a vibrant community hub, was also the ideal setting for an exhibition with such universal themes.
A Significant Step in My Photography Journey
It was an incredibly rewarding experience to see my self-portraits as part of this beautiful collection, here in the heart of Ireland. For me, every image tells a story, and photography has always been my way of navigating my own inner worlds. Participating in this photo exhibition in Ireland was a golden opportunity to share my work and connect with an audience far beyond my usual circles. It truly marks a significant step in my journey as a photographer.
Céline MERMIER, and Avia Gurman
Statement:
In these two self-portraits, photographed in Mountshannon, these two bluish-toned images reflect a period in my life when melancholy met self-reconnection.
For the second time in my journey, photography proved to be a lifesaver to keep my head above water. While creativity cannot erase difficulties, it offers a precious escape. The hours spent behind the lens, building these images, are moments of respite, a bubble where the mind can “rest” and recharge.
These self-portraits resonate with the theme of the “Foreign Land” exhibition. My photos show a time when I might have felt a little foreign to myself, going through difficult moments. I’ve always felt good with water. These landscapes, be they a lake, the ocean, or a river, became places where I could feel soothed.
Today, I invite you to dive into a space of introspection and letting go.
If you’d like to find out more about the exhibition, or even get involved in any way, please drop me a line.
My photo self-portraits exhibited in Ireland :
Here are the two self-portraits I had the chance to exhibit at this photo exhibition in Ireland, along with their explanations:
Selfportrait 1 : Infinite Breath
The first piece, where stars scatter across the sky, suggests the immensity of the universe in the face of our own torments, and the beauty that can emerge even in darkness. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is a light above us to guide us.
Selfportrait 2 : Inner Odyssey
The second, taken from behind with the moon as a backdrop, evokes a necessary surrender. It’s a step back to breathe better, an essential moment of rest before regaining one’s inner strength and accepting what is.
I’m truly grateful to have contributed to this meaningful exhibition, and I hope my work resonated with those who saw it. It was a significant experience that encourages me to continue exploring self-portraits and themes of identity and belonging through my photography, perhaps at future exhibitions in Ireland or elsewhere!
Comments are closed.