Through Our Eyes at Creative Brain Week
Naughton Institute, Trinity College Dublin
6 - 11 March 2023
Photo Museum Ireland was delighted to partner with Creative Ireland's 'Traveller Wellbeing Through Creativity' Programme to create 'Through Our Eyes' by artist Martin Beanz Warde.
If you missed it, explore this exhibition as part of this year’s Creative Brain Week. Martin has made a series of photographs that respond to themes of identity and well-being, along with a video of the project process.These images go beyond stereotypical or nostalgic representations, to present a contemporary portrait that celebrates Traveller individuality and reflects pride in their culture.
Through Our Eyes is a Photo Museum Ireland project in partnership with the Open Doors Initiative. It is supported by the Traveller Wellbeing through Creativity initiative developed by the Department of Health (Healthy Ireland Programme), the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (Creative Ireland Programme), the HSE, the National Social Inclusion Office and the Arts Council. The purpose of this unique programme is to support creative projects that will have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the Traveller community.
Portraits
Through Our Eyes brings together Martin’s formal portraits with photographs taken by the participants. The overall project combines diverse perspectives to give a unique insight into individual Traveller identities, allowing for complexity and nuance. It highlights the role of Travellers as diverse, creative individuals and addresses wider perspectives to raise awareness of Traveller culture as a valuable, dynamic and embedded part of life in contemporary Ireland. Photo Museum Ireland is delighted to partner with Open Doors Initiative on this 6-month pilot project, providing curatorial, training and production support for Martin. Anthony Haughey has worked with Martin as the artist's peer mentor. Images: Martin Beanz Warde
About the Artist
Martin Beanz Warde is a stand-up comedian, theatre maker, photographer, writer, poet, journalist, mental health and Traveller LGBT+ advocate. Martin has a BA in Sociology and Politics from the University of Galway and is currently finishing his MA in Journalism at the University of Limerick. He was a core founder of LGBT Pavee, (now LGBT TARA -Traveller and Roma alliance), Ireland’s only LGBT+ Traveller-led support group.
Creative Brain Week
Creative Brain Week consists of online and in person events which will explore and celebrate how brain science and creativity collide to seed new ideas in social development, technology, entrepreneurship, wellbeing and physical, mental and brain health across the life cycle.
This pioneering event illustrates innovation at the intersection of arts and brain science, including creative approaches to health. Creative Brain Week connects across disciplines, contexts, and cultures. It values richness and abundance in the diverse ways people understand and engage with the world.
The exhibitions is free and no booking is required. The seminars are also free, but capacity is limited so you need to book in advance. www.creativebrainweek.com
Creative Brain Week is a Global Brain Health Institute innovation at Trinity College Dublin, presented in association with the Healing Arts Initiative of WHO and with support from Creative Ireland and the Atlantic Institute.
