"SHE.S": A Photography Exhibition for Culture Night

Relive Culture Night in Limerick! My photo exhibition, SHE.S, showcased female strength and connection to nature at the Alliance Française.

A Project Forged Between Ireland and France

Last week, during the truly vibrant Culture Night in Limerick, I had the incredible opportunity to showcase my work: the “SHE.S” Photography Exhibition. The Alliance Française de Limerick provided a beautiful setting for this deeply personal project.

“SHE.S” is much more than a simple series of images; it’s an exploration of female strength rooted in the landscape. The title itself is a subtle nod to both English (“she is” / “she has”) and the French word “elles”, highlighting the idea of a collective presence. I spent months weaving this visual narrative between the raw, majestic landscapes of Ireland and the equally captivating scenes of France. My goal was to depict a force that isn’t loud, but rather a quiet resilience, embodied by female figures in intimate connection with nature. Seeing my pieces displayed, telling this story of geography, gender, and connection, was a moment of immense pride.

The Unforgettable Energy of a Cultural Evening

The atmosphere at the Alliance Française that evening was electric. Culture Night always has this unique power to bring people together. I was overwhelmed by the number of visitors who stopped by, taking the time to immerse themselves in each photograph. I had so many insightful conversations about the meaning of the title, the difference in light between the Irish coasts and the French mainland, and how each person interpreted the quiet strength I had aimed to capture.

Céline Mermier, Avia Gurman, Nathalie & Asling

Limerick was buzzing with over 70 free events, and I’m genuinely grateful that so many people chose to make “SHE.S” a stop on their cultural journey. The support and curiosity shown by the local community—whether they were photography enthusiasts, language students, or just curious passersby—confirmed the relevance of this project. It was an evening where art was not just displayed, but truly shared, and that is the most wonderful reward for any artist.

Statement:

Titled “SHE.S,” this photography exhibition weaves a visual narrative that explores the intrinsic power of women through the landscapes of Ireland and France. Each shot reveals a deep connection to nature, embodying a strength that is both quiet and powerful. It’s an invitation to an immersive journey through magnificent locations, enriched by women’s testimonials about their emotions and feelings in public spaces.

Accessible to everyone, this project is a unique artistic contribution that celebrates the profound interaction between identity, environment, and the place of women in society.

SHE.S is a double entendre: it literally means “she is” and “she has.” Additionally, it is a direct reference to the French word “elles,” the feminine plural for “they,” which has no direct equivalent in English and thus highlights the collective female presence.

If you’d like to find out more about the exhibition, or even get involved in any way, please drop me a line.

Exhibition:

This photographic project captures women’s authenticity and strength within nature. I took unposed portraits, seeking moments where they feel safe and powerful, away from the constant observation and criticism they face in urban environments. The simple act of accepting my lens is, in itself, a powerful act of defiance.

The photographs depict the woman as she could be—serene and genuine. This visual calm is contrasted with anonymous testimonies from some of the women featured in the photos, which recount the brutal reality that strips away this peace as soon as they step outside. It highlights the conflict between the hostility of the street and a moment that belongs solely to them.

Culture Night marked the foundation of this ongoing project. Key components also include the video by Ciara and the testimony from ‘Natasha O’brien,’ which illustrate the necessity of constantly fighting (but also the possibility of winning).