Kittens, Cigarettes, and Gucci - Jamie Johnson
Written by: Max Wiener
Photo Edited by: Billy Delfs
The heart of Ireland’s history comes beautifully to life through the eyes of Jamie Johnson and John Day.
Ireland is home to one of the richest cultural traditions on Earth, each inhabitant offering a unique perspective on what it means to truly be a human being. There is such a pride that exists to be Irish, embracing the beauties of the culture while simultaneously celebrating the overcoming of immense hardship. Jamie Johnson and John Day, renowned photographers in their own right, tell the Irish story in stunning monochromatic fashion in their new exhibition, The Travellers and The Troubles, presented beautifully at Boston’s Leica Gallery. In each of their presented work, Johnson and Jay take us on two similar journeys through Irish history, aimed at exploring the nomadic, and unfortunately, conflict-ridden nature that goes along with the corresponding citizenship. However, there is one thing that is abundantly clear throughout the exhibition. In that case, it's that to be Irish is to be proud, no matter what. These images give us a unique glimpse into perhaps some of the more overlooked moments in history, giving us a full-scope view as we fill in our blanks. The Travellers and The Troubles opened on February 2nd and is scheduled to close on April 20th.
Boys with Burning Car - John Day
Jamie Johnson’s photography focuses primarily on Irish Travelers who, in their caravans, lived on roadsides and fields spread throughout the country. It’s a very particular lifestyle, but Johnson’s work only aims to highlight the youthful and nomadic nature, not its downsides. Her series, in particular, is called “Growing up Travelling." Her work highlights the unique cultural traditions of this incredible group.”The Travellers” is a culture of oral tradition, passing along their practices solely by mouth; Johnson wants to firmly plant their heritage through images. Her work is profound and poignant, and her subjects treat the camera as one of their friends, another caravan member. They do not appear to be swayed by an outside presence, and perhaps the true nature of their Irish heritage is that they welcome it with open arms. It’s truly beautiful to see.
John Day’s work is certainly much darker, capturing some of the more unfortunate conflicts that Ireland has been through. Spending the summer of 1972 in Belfast, Day captured the tumult and uprising with the masterful eye of a photojournalist, capturing each of his images in the rawest possible way. While his focal points may appear to be the human subjects within the frame, the setting around them highlights the almost dystopian feel of such a beautifully serene country. This may be the case; however, his subjects are also certainly of note. In one of his more profound images, Day captures boys smiling amidst chaos, showing their triumphant spirit during a truly unfortunate time. Even with a photojournalist’s eye, Day perfectly captured the human condition in his work, and our understanding of the true meaning of Irish culture is only amplified by his work.
THE TRAVELLERS AND THE TROUBLES
JAMIE JOHNSON & JOHN DAY
FEBRUARY 2 - APRIL 21, 2024
Leica Gallery Boston
74 Arlington St.
Boston, MA 02116
