John Brereton previews a new exhibition by photographer Michael Corrigan at SO Fine Art Editions.
In this country we are well used to stunning images of bleak seascapes that capture the wildness of our West coast yet the East coast not so much.
Admittedly the eastern seaboard does not have the visual advantage of a mountain range dipping its toes in the cold waters of the Atlantic but Micheal Corrigan beautifully captures those liminal spaces on the Wicklow coastline where liquid meets mass, where shadow meets light.
As a frequent flyer to that stretch of coast, I know how quickly the heat of daylight, where the sun wakes us up, is sucked out and replaced by the cool shiver of evening, preparing us for sleep.
This penumbra is expertly possessed with Corrigan’s lens on ‘Blainroe, Wicklow VII” where it seems that the land is finally taking revenge on a sea that consistently nibbles on its cliffs, by devouring it in a swift mouthful. The effect is dramatic and the image mirrors it perfectly.
Corrigan is an esteemed fine art photographer who has exhibited widely in Ireland and internationally, was a director of the Gallery of Photography and a chairperson of Visual Artists Ireland so has previous.
The thematic concept of ‘Margins’ that reflects upon what lies at the edge: of land, sea and sky; of moments passing, could in less storied hands appear glib or insincere but Corrigan’s experience and expert eye gives the images starring roles with performances of real depth and character.
If it’s drama you want look no further than ‘Brittas Bay, Wicklow VI’, a scenario where impending doom in the form of a black cloud flings itself headlong into a sliver of sky that may or may not be masquerading as an escape route into a different world or a different time.
The stark tones and absence of colour, bolster the ancient, sacred landscapes suggesting a world before man.
A truly powerful exhibition in every sense.
Words: John Brereton
Margins: Fine Art Photography by Michael Corrigan at SO Fine Art Editions
Preview takes place on Thursday March 5th from 5pm to 7.30pm. The exhibition continues until April 4th.
SO Fine Art Editions, 2nd Floor Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, 59 South William Street, Dublin 2
