All full-time residents of Bere Island are to have their photograph taken as part of an art project, which will capture the entire population of the island as it is in 2018.
By Helen Riddell
ALL full-time residents of Bere Island are to have their photograph taken as part of an art project, which will capture the entire population of the island as it is in 2018.
Over this weekend, May 19th and 20th, Cork-based photographer Ed Godsell will set up a photographic studio in the island’s community centre and take a photograph of each islander, from the youngest aged just under two years, to the oldest aged 90.
The end results will be published in a large montage print, and a bound book of all the photos, which will be presented to the island to be displayed in a public venue.
John Walsh, project officer with Bere Island Projects Group, had come across a similar idea while attending a meeting on Inishturk in Co Mayo.
A local bar had a collage featuring a photo of each islander. ‘I thought it would be a good to have something similar here on Bere Island,’ he told The Southern Star.
The project was given the go-ahead by Ian MacDonagh, arts officer for Cork County Council, and is being supported by the Council’s Creative Community award.
Ed Godsell, who has shot documentaries for RTE, BBC and National Geographic, has been living on the island in the run-up to the project. ‘It’s a good way to get to know people and the island, and for them to get to know me, so they’re comfortable with the whole idea,’ he said.
It is planned the book of photos will be ready in late 2018.
