The Work
In broad terms, the work created is a reflection on multiple concerns and situations concerned with National Identity, Nationhood and Place Making.
About the Work.
Smith studied at Belfast School of Art graduating with a Masters in Fine Art Photography. During her studies she discovered that her image making was concerned with the storytelling of the unheralded moments of the everyday. Smith states, Everyday life is beautiful, curiously beautiful.
Smith’s work conceptualises photography as an act of prayer which simulates a spiritual experience awakening moments of reflection.
At the very start of her practice, was an imprint of trauma – intergenerational trauma. Slowly she discovered this was intimately connected to the people and places of Irish institutions and their manifestations.
Themes.
The work reflects on multiple concerns and situations concerned with National Identity, Nationhood and Place Making. The pictures are very much about the human condition. The work collaborates with people to respond to these themes. Approaching the subject in a creative light, and, yet performative in some ways. Constructing atmospheres to engage with the observer. Whether it be a person, place or a landscape manifestation they include the life cycle thoughts of birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality.
Exploration of Traumas, Storytelling and the Unheralded Moments.
There is something emotional and ritual about the way Smith feels and makes images. It is in no doubt that Smith’s work is imagery of traumas, but it also is an identification of how wonderfully resilient and strong people can be in the familiarity of the ordinary. The ordinary inspires the emotion, affection and curiosity. This spirit in the normality, becomes a procession of contemplation, moving with a rhythm towards an interpretation of Irish histories and their manifestations. This leads Smith to conceptualising photography as an act of prayer in a way to communicate and navigate to different narratives within her work.
Information.
For additional information please get in touch niamhsmi@gmail.com or fill in the form below. Editions available on request.
©2007-2021, Niamh Smith. For more copyright information please contact niamhsmi@gmail.com or click here. All images © Niamh Smith 2020.