Donate-
Thursday 19th February
Join artist Margaret O'Brien-Moran for an Open Studio event in Butler Gallery’s Garden Studio.
During her two week residency Margaret has been exploring the inspiration behind Gypsy Ray’s analogue photography, and her engagement with the natural world through her use of basic cameras such as pinhole and holga. Where the idea is interpretation over perfect reproduction.
Come along to get an insight into Margaret's working practice in plant based photography, including printing directly on seaweed and other plants, while utilising plants as alternatives to chemical processing in photographic practice.
Margaret O'Brien-Moran is the Gypsy Ray Photography Resident Artist for 2026.
About the artist:
For the last thirty years Margaret O’Brien-Moran’s visual practice and research have focused on the photographic practices of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She taught analogue photography to post Leaving Certificate students for over twenty-five years. In 2017 she was awarded a PhD in media studies with photographic practice from the University of Ulster at Coleraine. The purpose of her current research and experimentation, for which she received an Arts Council Agility Award, questions the materials used in analogue photography and their effect on the natural environment. By utilizing the light-sensitivity of plant-based emulsions, she aims to develop a sustainable photographic practice.
Her most recent project ‘From the Japanese Gardens’, in collaboration with poet Mark Roper, was exhibited in the Coastguard’s Cultural Centre, Tramore in February 2025. The exhibition and the accompanying small book of poems and images featured on Nationwide (RTE.ie) on 7th May 2025.
Selected Solo exhibitions include ‘Eyes fixed on the past’ Coastguard’s Cultural Centre, Tramore (2017). ‘Inspiration’, The Old Market House Arts Centre, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford (2012). ‘Migraine Art’, Waterford Healing Arts Centre, Waterford University Hospital (2010). ‘First Impressions of Newfoundland’, Garter Lane Arts Centre, Waterford (2002). ‘New Beginnings’, Bank of Ireland Arts Centre, Dublin (2002). Awards include The Art’s Council agility award, (2023), Tyrone Guthrie Centre Regional Arts Bursary Award from County Waterford (2006), Ireland/Newfoundland Partnership, cultural bursary for travelling to Newfoundland to undertake photography project (2002), Irish Refugee Council, materials and bursary award, (2002).
This is a free ticketed event. The Garden Studio has limited capacity, please book a place to attend.
