Leanne McDonagh is an Irish artist from the Traveller community. McDonagh records her community’s life and heritage from an insider perspective, subtly yet vividly capturing its circumstances and experiences. As she puts it, “If somebody else is showing what it is to look like a Traveller, I am showing what it is to feel like a Traveller.” McDonagh’s images portray family meetings, celebrations, scenes of labour and trade, domestic interiors and activities, and public gatherings. They emphasise both the distinct characteristics of Traveller culture and universal aspects of social relations.

Community & Connection constitutes the most comprehensive presentation of McDonagh’s work to date. It features a newly commissioned series of screenprints alongside a broad selection of photographs made since 2011. The exhibition is organised by Sirius Arts Centre and curated by Miguel Amado, Director and realised with funding from the Arts Council through a Project Award. Its presentation at Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre is part of a tour also including Sirius Art Centre and Limerick City Gallery of Art, produced by Rayne Booth. The tour is delivered with funding from the Arts Council through the Touring of Work Scheme.

The exhibition at will be accompanied by a public engagement programme working with the West Cork Traveller Centre, Family Resource Centres and West Cork primary and second level schools. The programme at Uillinn is supported by Ecclesiastical Insurance.