06 June 2024 – 11 August 2024
Haus am Kleistpark, Berlin, Germany
Changing States: Ireland in the 21st Century is a major new group exhibition that looks at the ways photography has made visible the changing nature of Irish life. It concentrates on the first decades of the twenty-first century, marking 100 years since the foundation of the state. Featuring works by over 40 contemporary artists, this large-scale exhibition surveys the development of contemporary photography in Ireland. It charts how leading artists working in Ireland have addressed major socio-political developments to reflect on changing demographics, cultural identities, contested territories and social reform. The exhibition brings together diverse points of view, critically reframing contemporary life across the island of Ireland.
Moving from traditional documentary practices towards more socially engaged and conceptual practices to the medium, Changing States considers how artists have responded to the profound shifts that have occurred in Irish society. This survey represents the depth and range of recent Irish photography, as well as the extent to which artists have engaged with the most pressing issues of contemporary life. It charts our transformation from an insular nation-state to a more liberal, globalised and multicultural society.
This exhibition is a partnership with German curator Ralph Goertz, Director of the Institute for Art Documentation (IKS), Düsseldorf, Barbara Esch Marowski, Director of Haus am Kleistpark, Berlin, and Trish Lambe and Darren Campion, Photo Museum Ireland. Curated for Haus am Kleistpark, one of Berlin’s most prestigious municipal art spaces, it is the largest international exhibition of contemporary Irish photography to date.
Zeitgeist Irland 24 is an initiative from Culture Ireland and the Embassy of Ireland in Germany to promote Contemporary Irish Arts and Culture in Germany in 2024.
About the partner organisations:
Photo Museum Ireland
Photo Museum Ireland is the national centre for contemporary photography. We aim to lead the way in showcasing the very best of photography for all audiences encouraging debate and new thinking about the role of the photographic image in society. Innovative exhibitions showcase work by established Irish and International artists to address important artistic, cultural or societal issues and reflect emerging photographic practices. An average of 5-6 exhibitions per year enlighten, challenge and are enjoyed by visitors to the museum. Our engagement programmes foster increased awareness and understanding of photography and visual culture by creating innovative and inclusive opportunities for people to engage with our programmes, creating opportunities for meaningful exchanges between artists and the public. Photo Museum Ireland believes photography is for everyone. Our exhibitions and events enlighten, challenge and build connections with people in real life and online. Photo Museum Ireland is supported by The Arts Council and Dublin City Council.
For more information visit: www.photomuseumireland.ie
IKS PHOTO
The IKS - Institute for Art Documentation was founded in 2009 by Ralph Goertz and today contains the largest private media archive of contemporary art in Europe with almost 500 documented artists and 92 documentary films. In 2022, the IKS was expanded to include its own photo institute, the non-profit recognized IKS PHOTO. The aim of the IKS PHOTO is to promote, preserve and convey the medium of photography through exhibitions and publications. In addition to retrospective exhibitions of the work of important photographers, thematic group exhibitions will be developed and presented as touring exhibitions by European partner institutions. In close cooperation with the exhibiting institutions, the exhibitions will be adapted and expanded to meet individual and local needs. The work of IKS PHOTO focuses on artistic and art historical significance as well as social and societal relevance.
For more information visit: www.iks-medienarchiv.de
Haus am Kleistpark
Haus am Kleistpark is one of the largest and longest-running municipal art galleries in Berlin and is affiliated with two further sites: the Haus am Kleistpark | Projektraum and the Galerie im Tempelhof Museum. As non-commercial contemporary art spaces, municipal galleries stand for cosmopolitanism, experimentation, and artistic discoveries at a high level. Here, local reference and intercultural exchange coalesce with the inclusion of global contexts. As municipal galleries they are tasked with the cultural development of their respective districts, the promotion of artists, grassroots work within the art sector, and continuing support for the exploration of current issues of importance. Special emphasis is on the promotion of artistic photography. Since 2011 the director of the Haus am Kleistpark has been Barbara Esch Marowski.
For more information visit: www.hausamkleistpark.de/en