KEVIN GRIFFIN'S

Gallery One and a Half is pleased to present Kevin Griffin’s OMEY ISLAND: LAST MAN STANDING. This exhibition coincides with the publication of a book of the same title, which will launch at the show.

Omey Island is a tidal island in Connemara, County Galway. Like many of the Irish islands, the population has diminished drastically. In the mid 19th Century there were almost 400 residents, now there is only one: former stuntman Pascal Whelan.

In 2008 photographer Kevin Griffin first encountered Pascal hitchhiking and offered him a lift back to Claddaghuff, Co. Galway. During that first journey together they shared stories and struck up a friendship, agreeing that they would meet again to discuss a project focused on Pascal’s life. Shot over several years, this exhibition and book are the products of their close collaboration.

This show takes us on a journey with Pascal – from the ‘high life’ of his stunt career to his remote existence in his Omey caravan. The project explores the unique relationship and trust existing between photographer and subject.

As much a museum presentation as a photographic exhibition , this show is brought to life with a mixture of objects, films, audio recordings and images from Pascal’s archives, as well as Kevin’s own photographs and film work, forming an intensely immersive experience.

This story is Pascal’s story.

About Kevin

Kevin Griffin is based in Clifden (Co. Galway), on the west coast of Ireland. He was born in London in 1964.

His personal work has been shown widely, including the Saatchi Gallery, Hamiltons Gallery, Photographers Gallery, and the Recontres d’Arles, where he is a regular exhibitor.

With a passion for film and traditional photographic techniques, Kevin’s work has a timeless quality. Often undertaking long-term projects that grow from intense periods of observation, Kevin’s work crosses the boundaries of documentary and landscape photography.

Omey Island - Last Man Standing is his first book.


September 6th - October 6th 2013 | Private View 5th September 6-9pm (First Thursdays)