Ethan Murphy, a photographer from St. John’s, Newfoundland, spent his residency with Artlink exploring the remote island communities of Donegal through the lens of his analogue cameras. Drawn to the connections between identity and place, Murphy immersed himself in the landscapes of Tory, Arranmore, and Inishbofin, capturing their unique character and the lives of those who call these islands home. Staying with fellow photographer Jacqui Devenney Reed, who is developing a darkroom at her home, he deepened his engagement with traditional photographic processes while continuing his exploration of rural and coastal environments.
On July 20th, Murphy shared his expertise with the local community by leading a hands-on photography workshop. Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of black-and-white film processing and had the rare opportunity to work with large-format cameras. His practice, rooted in themes of migration, memory, and the psychological impact of rural landscapes, resonated with Donegal’s island communities, offering new ways to reflect on their own experiences of place and identity.
The International Atlantic Exchange Residency 2024 was organised by Artlink and CRUX, Newfoundland in collaboration with O’Brien Farm, St John’s.
