Social
Noel Bowler
Noel Bowler is a photographer and educator. He holds an MFA in photography from the University of Ulster. Bowler’s work is concerned with making visible the hidden power structures and human rights issues in contemporary Ireland.
Photo Museum Ireland (formerly Gallery of Photography Ireland) have curated and premiered Bowler’s three major projects: The Joy (2006), a sensitive portrait of life in Mountjoy prison; Making Space (2011), an exploration of the coexistence of the Islamic faith in contemporary Ireland; and Union (2017), a timely study of labour unions in Ireland and internationally.
Bowler’s work has been exhibited worldwide including New York Photofestival, Dali International Festival, Yunan, China, with recent solo exhibitions in Impressions Gallery, England, RPS Gallery, Tokyo and the Gallery of Photography, Ireland. He is currently a Senior Lecturer in Photography at the University of Suffolk.
He has been nominated for the Deutsche Börse Photography Prize and the Prix Pictet Photography Prize. His latest book Above The Fold was published in 2021. Noel’s photographs, exhibitions and publications continue to look at the ongoing consideration of the political forces that shape our world, reflected through the organisation of social space.
His work has been purchased for the National Photography Collection at Photo Museum Ireland.
Artist Information
3 Rampart Court, Rampart Road, Dundalk, from the series Making Space, 2011
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Noel Bowler, 3 Rampart Court, Rampart Road, Dundalk, from the series Making Space, 2011
Noel Bowler, 3 Rampart Court, Rampart Road, Dundalk, from the series Making Space, 2011
Details: Archival pigment inkjet print on Hahnemühle Photo Baryta, 60x70cm (paper size), uneditioned print, produced 2021, acquired for the National Photography Collection 2022.
Noel Bowler's Book
Above The Fold
Above The Fold is a series of photographs taken in some of the most respected and recognised newspaper newsrooms from around the world. Made over a six year period and working together with a cross section of some of the largest newspapers (by paid circulation) from around the world, these photographs will take the viewer on a journey through decades of human interaction that has helped to form the foundation of the press as we know it today. The work of the newspaper and journalism movement has never been so relevant for so many throughout the world. This timely work continues my ongoing consideration of the political forces that shape our world and the importance in sustaining the foundation of a free and trustworthy press.
Ever since the rapid increase in literacy rates during the 19th century, newspapers have been inextricably associated with the development of modern society through the production of political meta-narratives, the dissemination of information and the framing of debate. With declining readership, reduced advertising and persistent questions about “truth” and relevance, the structures of print media are in a state of flux. Unlike the multifaceted and dispersed nature of online news media, the physical spaces of the newspaper office has been shaped by many years of evolution, adaptation and work practices that straddle both public-interest rationales and commercial objectives.
This project reinforces the importance that people have played in the role of print news media and acts as a reminder of both the importance and relevance of the journalist. These photographs offer us a glimpse into the places where the decisions and policies that affect so many are created. While these places may be separated by geography, culture and politics, they are all inherently linked by one fundamental attribute; the commitment to inform, educate and reinforce the importance of a free and honest press.
Artists Exhibitions
Group Exhibition
PROGRAMME