Bob Dixon
Planet Glasnevin
This collection of images was taken with a DJI Mavic Air drone trying to capture the 124-acre span of the iconic Glasnevin cemetery which is the resting place for 1.5 million people all in one image. Some of these are panoramic style allowing a “little planet” which gives a fuller feel to the area with the 168 feet tower of Daniel O’Connell being the centre piece. There is an additional 3 images on the back of this image. O’Connell circle is shown from above which is where he was originally buried in this garden cemeteries that had become widespread throughout Europe in the nineteenth century, following the example of Père Lachaise in Paris. Such legendary people buried in its walls are Charles Stewart Parnell, Michael Collins, James Larkin, Brendan Behan, Christy Brown, Luke Kelly and my nan Mary McCrum. A space that holds the history of Ireland. The city of the dead has always been a draw to document and spend time in. Sometimes to find art, sometimes to walk with friends and sometimes to visit family interned there. Tending a grave is a tradition close to the Irish, like grooming the hair of the deceased. This area is adjoined to the beautiful Prospect Square which is where this instillation is situated and BoB would like to thank Prospect ACA (especially his good friend Alfreda O’Brien) for the opportunity to showcase this art of their neighbours and look forward to more in the future. Next door to the entrance to the cemetery a pub was opened in 1833 (now Kavanagh's, Nos. 1 & 2 Prospect Square) which served drink to the men who dug the graves in the cemetery, which is why it is commonly known as the 'Gravediggers'. Lore has it that they would knock on the wall of the pub with a special code to order their drinks, a place he calls his local. This image along with the other images are available for sale at bespoke sizes and framing options, drop me a mail for details. Thanks to all at Culture Night 2023 and I want to dedicate this instillation to the memory of my friend and father-in-law Terry O’Mahony who passed away recently.
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I always get drawn to the Pigeon House in Dublin for how visual a landmark it is with its red and white twin towers rising up over the bay which have become iconic. As you fly into Dublin, you knew you were home seeing them. This piece was shot at low and high tide showing the different landscape from the ground and sky,
"I drive on her streets 'cause she's my companion I walk through her hills 'cause she knows who I am She sees my good deeds and she kisses me windy Well, I never worry, now that is a lie" Thank you to the genius that is Join me in the Pines for this master piece of music and thanks to Dublin for being so beautiful. This one goes out to Peter..loves yeah kid x
A short documentary I did on a day in the life of street portrait photographers Arron Kirwan and Jim Leonard as they capture faces in Dublin city with their film cameras. Thanks to Andy Grant for allowing me using his incredible song.
Delighted to be involved in this excellent exhibition which is also being launched on Culture night as part of the event. The Icon Factory is a wonderful, inspirational place. The portrait I am displaying is of Glen Hansard taken in 2006 and 2013.
‘I SANG YOU ALL MY SORROWS – a celebration of Irish Music’, the new art exhibition at The Icon Factory, opens late this Culture Night. Come visit this group art show featuring some of the most talented artists in Dublin as they celebrate the greats of Irish music, musicians, singers, songwriters and bands. On display will be new paintings, mixed media and photography of the Icons of Irish Music past and present alongside live music performances throughout the evening. Over a few months in 2022, photographer Jim Leonard and myself began this piece of work. Our project began many years ago when we had visited the camp separately and decided this time to collaborate on a piece that has expanded and allowed us to involve the excellent Holocaust Education Ireland who create awareness throughout the island of Ireland about the Holocaust and its consequences. They introduced us to survivors, and to sit with these wonderful people was as emotional as spending time at the memorial.
It is hard to comprehend the number of people murdered in places such as Auschwitz, and having the opportunity to meet holocaust survivors made each figure real, made the glasses and shoes we photographed, objects of possession which were rushed into suitcases and loaded onto cattle trucks to be never seen by their owners again. There were places that we didn’t shoot any photographs, as we were emersed in the feeling of being there, that feeling when you are numb with emotion and time stops. As we had made arrangements to have a longer private tour in order for us to have areas to ourselves, it allowed us to document this memorial with patience and the respect which it deserves, using modern day digital technology and film cameras. Slowly walking through the exhibitions, some in complete silence, apart from our excellent guide Lucas giving us in-depth information. We broke for lunch and then took the complimentary bus to the memorial at Auschwitz II-Birkenau, being taken to the watch tower above the “gate of death” looking down on the train lines that brought innocent people to end their lives. As we walked these train lines, the sky turned white and snow started to fall giving a surreal feel to the landscape. The baron area known as “Canada”, with its building ruins covered in a coating of snow, we saw a family of dear pass in the distance, life and hope in a place known for its cruelty and death surely being a sign of hope for the future. On returning to Ireland after a recent trip to the camps they met and photographed Holocaust Survivors Suzi Diamond and Tomi Reichental who live in Dublin, these portraits will be on display for Culture Night along with photographs of the first ‘Stolpersteine’ memorial stones to be unveiled in Ireland remembering six Irish Jews murdered by the Nazi regime. These stones, recently laid by artist Gunter Demnig in association with HEI in Dublin form part of the biggest decentralised memorial in the world which includes over 70,000 stones in thirty countries. Art does not show people what to do, yet engaging with a good work of art can connect you to your senses, body, and mind. It can make the world felt. And this felt feeling may spur thinking, engagement, and even action. It is a honour to be involved in Culture night in Dublin for the 3rd year and exhibit some of this collection, thanks to The memorial at Auschwitz, Holocaust Education Ireland, Megan, Stephen and all the staff at Brick Alley, Jack for his instillation skills, Tomi, Suzi, Dee and Angie, the chance to collaborate with someone with the eye of Jim has been an adventure and a wonderful experience, I look forward to touring this educational piece of art and producing a book in the future. https://culturenight.ie/event/never-forget-the-holocaust-an-irish-connection/
A collection of portraits and concert photos taken of the clan that makes up Irish band The Frames spanning from 2006 to 2022. The band is now in its 32 year and has seen some of the best musicians play in it behind its lead singer Glen Hansard. The crowd photos in this collect are through the years but the portraits of the fans where taken on one day in Dublin when the band played Royal Hospital Kilmainham after a 2 year delay. A nod to the people that support artists and live music..thanks to one and all for allowing me capture your portrait. To the Frames..thanks for allowing me capture your history and present.
Dublin Hold My Mind
An honour to be asked to document artists Kevin Bohan and Iljin: Live Murals at Bedford Lane. Responding to the poem Dublin by Louis MacNiece, this commission was two live murals completed in Bedford Lane, Temple Bar from 4pm – 7:30pm on Sept 17th by Kevin Bohan and IIjin supported by Culture Night Dublin. Funded by Dublin City Council, this work was commissioned as part of the Dublin Holds My Mind programme for Culture Night Dublin 2021. Dublin Thanks to the lads for two great days and the chance to take more that just a commissioning from the experience. A letter of thanks to you and me for the recently raffle with Focus Ireland..thanks folks x7/5/2021 BOB DIXON PHOTOGRAPH
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