Divided
A solo photographic exhibition by Jim Campbell
Friday 13th February – Saturday 7th March, 2015
Opening Reception: Thursday 12th February at 7pm
Guest speaker: Tom Mooney, Editor – The Echo
Wexford Arts Centre is delighted to present Divided, an exhibition by well known Wexford photographer Jim Campbell. Divided is a solo exhibition of photographic work from his extensive travels through Israel and the West Bank.
Against a background of armed soldiers amongst civilians, children scrambling for toys and walking barefoot through rough streets, Campbell’s photographs encompass the stories of families separated and struggling in a land divided. Reflecting the lives of those surrounded and shaped by discord, these images capture the daily tensions felt on both sides of the seemingly never-ending conflict. Today, we are saturated by images of war through the media, and because of this it’s very easy to become passive and desensitised by such imagery. Through these photographs taken in the West Bank, Campbell offers an intimate and personal glimpse into the lives of those living on both sides of the struggle. His dedication to the people he has meet, their stories, families and the hardships they have to face every day is truly the focus of his images. Through his role of documentarian, Campbell brings their stories to a public forum and has highlighted the reality of the division that exists between Israel and Palestine. It forces us to confront the human cost of such a conflict, and to reflect on the practicalities of their disrupted lives; something not often recorded. Throughout his stay, Jim was taken aback by the pressures and sense of distrust embedded in the fabric of day-to-day living. However, he was also taken in by many of the people in the region; developing connections with their families and reflecting on their lives. Despite the adversity and dangers of his pursuit, the heart of his images reflects these people and their perseverance. His own experiences of surveillance in the region, which affected his travels through the area and the people he interacted with have also shaped his work, and tell stories of their own. Divided successfully reflects on these immeasurable strains as well as moments of happiness and generosity reflected on both sides of the historic boundary.
A proud native of Co. Wexford, Jim Campbell’s recent photographic projects have taken him overseas to areas of conflict and divide. Campbell is a Wexford based photographer, renowned and respected in a career spanning over sixteen years. As a photographer with the Wexford Echo Newspapers, Campbell has covered many major events throughout the county and Ireland. His images have also appeared in many national newspapers, magazines and publications throughout Ireland and the UK.
Divided will run in the lower gallery of Wexford Arts Centre from Friday 13th February to Saturday 7th March 2015, and gallery hours are Monday to Saturday, from 10am-5pm. For further information on the artist or exhibition please contact Catherine Bowe, Visual Arts Manager on +353 (0)53 9123764 or email catherine@wexfordartscentre.ie.
