Northern Ireland's Transformation is showcased at Stormont |
22/01/2008
Arts Minister, Edwin Poots MLA yesterday (Monday 21st January) launched Northern Ireland’s fascinating photographic exhibition, ‘Out of the Darkness’ at the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings. This exhibition which is hosted by the Northern Ireland Press Photographers Association and is supported by the Arts Council celebrates 40 years of press photography in Northern Ireland.
Speaking at the event, Minister Poots said: “I am privileged to once again be invited to launch the ‘Out of the Darkness’ exhibition. It is appropriate that these amazing, if sometimes startling images of Northern Ireland’s past are brought together under the very roof that holds the key to Northern Ireland’s future.
 |
|---|
“The photography provides a reminder of life in Northern Ireland during the last 40 years, both the highs and lows. It allows us to remember what we have come through and encourages us to continue to strive for a better life for future generations. In this respect the title ‘Out of the Darkness’ is very appropriate.
“The exhibition does not just concentrate on our troubled past. It pays tribute to the steady stream of sporting heroes which Northern Ireland has produced. It is these such people which have put Northern Ireland on the map for all the right reasons and I hope our new up and coming talent can continue to do so in the future.”
Speaking at the launch, Rosemary Kelly, Chairman of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland said, “This is a fascinating exhibition by some of Northern Ireland’s best photographers. The photographs are perhaps all the more remarkable because they capture moments in an extraordinary passage in the history of Northern Ireland. The political importance of our journey out of conflict is represented in the photographs within this appropriate and potent setting.”
Out of the Darkness has celebrated success on home ground and internationally. 6,226 visited Out of the Darkness when it first opened in March 2007 at the Ormeau Baths Gallery, Belfast. It was also part of the Rediscover Northern Ireland arts showcase in Washington D.C and influenced and educated many of the 10,000 visitors who attended the exhibition over the two week period.
John Harrison, Chairman, The Northern Ireland Press Photographers Association, said, “Local photographers showed us the grim aftermath of a life in Northern Ireland punctuated by the ‘Troubles’. With 60 NIPPA photographers taking part in this exhibition I hope that this positive chapter in our history continues.”
