The Board and staff of Photo Museum Ireland have been deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our friend, multi-talented artist Ross McDonnell.

A filmmaker and photographer originally from Dublin, Ross worked on long-term documentary projects around themes of sustainability, migration and conflict.  As well as award-winning films, Ross made stand-out photographic works.

His extraordinary photo series ‘Limbs’ was shortlisted for the Prix Pictet in 2019. This compelling exploration of human fragility and tenacity was made in Jalalabad’s orthopaedic hospital in Afghanistan. Closer to home, ‘Joyrider’, his long term book project in Ballymun that he started in 2005 was launched at Photo Museum Ireland in 2021. With characteristic consideration, Ross noted that “I think perhaps that ‘Joyrider’, created a moment of recognition for a community long excluded from representation. Most importantly, the work has been adopted by the community as a slice of its own cultural heritage and vernacular. The result is that a space for dialogue and discourse is open and a need to sustain that visibility through strong visual narratives persists. This is a space I feel an imperative to explore.”

A solo show at Photo Museum Ireland developing Ross’ work with the community in Ballymun and spanning photography, film and performance was in planning for 2025.  Ross was also planning a series of workshops/masterclasses here – a testament to his commitment to progressing photography practices in Ireland. We hope very much to honour Ross’ work and share it with Irish audiences in the coming years.

Our heartfelt condolences go to Ross’ family and loved ones at this time.

See Ross McDonnell’s contribution to the Thinking Photography series: