A Modern Eye by Helen Hooker O'Malley

Gallery of Photography Ireland together with the National Photography Archive are presenting two complementary exhibitions devoted to the work of American artist, Helen Hooker O’Malley (1905-1993) Ireland was Helen’s most important source of inspiration for over half a century. Her decades-long love affair with the landscape, history and people of Ireland was ignited by her tumultuous relationship with revolutionary and author, Ernie O’Malley.

Having met Ernie in the US in 1933, Helen braved family opposition to elope and marry him in London, 1935. The couple established homes in Dublin and Mayo and had three children together. Despite divorcing Ernie in 1952, Helen’s love of Ireland endured undiminished.

Cormac O’Malley hosting a tour of A Modern Eye, Helen Hooker O’Malley’s Ireland at the Gallery of Photography

Helen photographed her life in Ireland from 1935 onwards. Here in the Gallery of Photography, we present her early work – explorations made during expeditions with Ernie into the Irish landscape, her observations of Irish rural life particularly in County Mayo, and her portraits of artists and friends. We also include a fascinating record of her travels in Russia and East Asia.

The NLI’s collection of Hooker O’Malley’s photographs dates largely from the mid 1970’s, when she found a new freedom, enthusiasm and energy to pursue her art. These works demonstrate a mature creativity honed over a lifetime’s involvement in the visual arts. The exhibition includes iconic Irish landmarks, such as Croagh Patrick, portraits of Helen’s artistic circle, including Paddy Moloney and Mary Lavin. In addition to spontaneous images of everyday life in 1970’s Ireland.

The exhibition is accompanied by a book featuring over 120 photographs and texts by Cormac K.H. O’Malley and Luke Gibbons.

A Modern Eye continues at the Gallery of Photography until September 1st. It will be at the National Photographic Archive until November 2nd 2019.

Visit archive here. 

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