The exhibition opening is on Tuesday September 10th, from 5 pm until 7 pm. The event is open for the public.

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The Landscape of Green and Grey explores the West of Ireland, the coastal landscape and its people. The exhibition pictures series were taken in the counties of Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Donegal and Clare between 2022 and 2024. The series consists of black-and-white fine art photography prints, printed by the artist.

The landscape of Ireland’s west coast has been formed through millennia of human activity. Forests and boglands are cleared and drained to make way for farmland, buildings and turf cutting. Roads, ditches and power lines pierce through the bare and windswept environment. The land is cultivated, appropriated.

Despite of this profound transformation the landscape has retained its wild character. The forces of nature reign. Towns and buildings face constant barrage of Atlantic elements – ocean spray, moisture and gale force winds. Breakwaters and piers are eroded by winter storms and surges. Briars and creeping vines conquer derelict houses and dry stone walls with indiscriminate, overpowering vitality.

Human activity leaves its traces on the landscape. Reciprocally the landscape leaves its marks on the people of the coast. The photograph freezes, records and discloses the changes in landscape.

The Landscape of Green and Grey documents, not just the apparent human traces in the landscape, but also what is essentially invisible: the sense of purpose, belonging and emotions that the landscape confers to its inhabitants.

Janne Hernes is a Finnish photographer and artist based in Galway, Ireland. His work is inspired by the tradition of subjective documentary photography, which emphasizes the personal vision of the photographer while respecting documentary approach. Hernes works as an independent photographer.

Finnfoto, The Central Association of Finnish Photographic Organisations, kindly supports the exhibition.

Photographer’s website: https://www.jannehernes.com

Pictures:

Above: Eamon dives into Galway Bay. Galway, Ireland, 2022

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