‘A powerful body of work'

Launch of new Nenagh Street Collective photography exhibition

THRESHOLDS, a new exhibition by photography group the Nenagh Street Collective, was launched at Nenagh Arts Centre last Thursday.

Brenda Barry of Nenagh Street Collective introduced the evening, followed by Dr Fiana Ní Chonaill (Artistic Director of Nenagh Arts Centre), Councillor Louise Morgan Walsh and Kevin Lim (founder of Nenagh Street Collective). Those present enjoyed refreshments prepared by Raquel Hassett and harp music provided by Ruby, who was thanked during the speeches.

The exhibition is dedicated to the fond memory of Mark Bowers, who was involved in the street collective from its beginning. His family attended the launch. The tribute display includes his photograph and a verse he wrote for a previous exhibition.

Thresholds explores transition, connection and belonging: the spaces between arrival and departure, familiarity and uncertainty, separation and connection. Photographs of everyday environments invite visitors to consider how ordinary places hold personal stories and shared memories. Streets, doorways, pathways and public spaces become starting points for reflecting on how we move through the world, encounter one another and develop a sense of belonging.

The exhibition encourages visitors to pause, look closely and bring their own interpretations to the photographs.

“Creatives are like that,” said Ms Barry. “We notice things that most people don’t. And when you find someone who noticed it too, life just clicks.”

REMEMBERING MARK

Remembering Mark, she added – “Art, photography and creativity are proof that your story lives on beyond your worldly life.”

Councillor Morgan Walsh, also a member of the Nenagh Arts Centre board, said Nenagh Street Collective has “created a powerful body of work that reminds us that photography is about so much more than capturing images. It’s about telling stories, preserving moments and helping us to notice what we might otherwise pass by.”

Councillor Morgan Walsh said the photographs “invite us to pause, to reflect and to look more closely at the spaces that shape our daily lives and our sense of belonging”.

In his humorous, interactive address, Mr Lim talking about paying attention – “Observation isn’t about seeing more. Rather, it’s really about the idea of missing less.” Remembering Mark, he said – “His philosophy of ‘do whatever makes you happy’ is his most beautiful gift to us.”

Nenagh Street Collective would like to thank everyone who attended the launch and all those who have supported the group. Particular thanks go to Nenagh Arts Centre for its ongoing support and to LiftServ for sponsoring the exhibition. LiftServ is a local company, created by three childhood friends who have a vision to provide a one-stop-shop for all platform lifts requirements in all industries.

Nenagh Street Collective is a community of creatives who share ideas, learn from one another and explore photography as a means of expression. New members of all experience levels are welcome, whether using a camera or a phone.