Changing States: Ireland in the 21st Century is a major new touring group exhibition that looks at the ways photography has made visible the changing nature of Irish life. It concentrates on the first decades of the twenty-first century, marking 100 years since the foundation of the state. Featuring works by over 40 contemporary artists, this large-scale exhibition surveys the development of contemporary photography in Ireland. It charts how leading artists working in Ireland have addressed major socio-political developments to reflect on changing demographics, cultural identities, contested territories and social reform. The exhibition brings together diverse points of view, critically reframing contemporary life across the island of Ireland. 

In recent decades the Irish state has witnessed a social revolution and contemporary artists have played a significant role in this process of change. Their critical voices have contributed to ongoing debates and have helped to challenge established power structures in post-colonial Ireland. The three chapters, Political Landscapes, Notions of Home, and Changing Identities each respond to different aspects of these changes, tracing the many ways our past continues to shape the present. The selection of works for the exhibition reflects our commitment to preserving space for open conversations and debate in cultural institutions. For this exhibition we have actively invited leading artists whose political convictions are a key element of their respective practices. 

Moving from traditional documentary practices towards more socially engaged and conceptual practices to the medium, Changing States considers how artists have responded to the profound shifts that have occurred in Irish society. This survey represents the depth and range of recent Irish photography, as well as the extent to which artists have engaged with the most pressing issues of contemporary life. It charts our transformation from an insular nation-state to a more liberal, globalised and multicultural society. 

Participating artists: Ciarán Óg Arnold, Audrey Blue, Enda Bowe, Noel Bowler, Simon Burch, Ala Buisir, Paul Carroll, Martin Cregg, Eamonn Doyle, Ciarán Dunbar, John Duncan, Robert Ellis, David Farrell, Emer Gillespie, Anthony Haughey, Conor Horgan, Shane Hynan, Bernadette Keating, Jamin Keogh, Shane Lynam, Martin McGagh, Yvette Monahan, Trish Morrissey, Seamus Murphy, Brian Newman, Jackie Nickerson, Kenneth O’Halloran, Shannon Ritchie, Pauline Rowan, Paul Seawright, Niamh Smith, Daragh Soden, Amelia Stein, Lorraine Tuck, Tommy Weir, and Donovan Wylie.

Changing States: Ireland in the 21st Century
6th June - 11th August 2024
Haus am Kleistpark,
Berlin,
Germany