A Modern Eye: Helen Hooker O’Malley’s Ireland

Gallery of Photography Ireland together with the National Photography Archive presented two complementary exhibitions devoted to the work of American artist, Helen Hooker O’Malley (1905-1993).

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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.

Helen photographed her life in Ireland from 1935 onwards. Here in the Gallery of Photography, we presented 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 included a fascinating record of her travels in Russia and East Asia.

Cormac K. H. O’Malley talking on the exhibition.

The NLI’s collection of Herlen 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 visual arts. The exhibition included 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.