Beneath | Beofhód, is a decade-long project from Artist Shane Hynan, exploring the social, cultural, and historical importance of peat bogs in the Irish Midlands.

‘Beofhód’, an Irish word meaning ‘life beneath the sod’, evokes the primal and totemic significance of bogs in Celtic tradition. This metaphorical exploration of pre-Christian reverence for elemental energies is grounded in Hynan’s commitment to exploring evolving conversations around environmental justice, and our shifting relationship to these unique landscapes.

Drawing on Hynan’s authentic connection with his local community and region, the work traces the remnants of industrial peat harvesting, which brought substantial economic benefits and helped forge a strong sense of cultural identity and purpose in the area. Since the de-industrialisation of the boglands, large-scale commercial peat extraction has ceased. Tensions have emerged between the tradition of small-scale harvesting for domestic use and the need to protect remaining peatlands.

Through these immediate concerns, Hynan reflects on the endangered status of bog habitats and the evolving perception and value of peatlands in contemporary Ireland through postcolonial and late-capitalist social lenses. Bogs in the Midlands have undergone significant alteration and a move towards ecologically aware practices, with the construction of new renewable wind and solar farms, which bring their own questions and challenges.

Beneath | Beofhód is a timely and in-depth engagement with urgent issues of landscape, tradition, and community. At a moment of ongoing challenges around the environment and sustainability, restoring our ancient connections to the land seems more vital than ever. Hynan’s long-term focus on Irish boglands creates a profound sense of respect for the complexity of these landscapes in continuous flux, layered with history.

A Photo Museum Ireland National Tour, with partners Galway International Arts Festival, Source Arts Centre, Roscommon Arts Centre, and the Regional Cultural Centre, supported by an Arts Council Touring Award. The exhibition will be accompanied by an education programme and catalogue.

Beneath | Beofhód is supported by the Arts Council of Ireland, Kildare Arts Service, Roscommon Arts Centre and the Photo Museum Ireland Artist Development Residency.

Shane Hynan is a visual artist whose practice centres on photography, incorporating experimental elements in sound, video, collage, and sculpture. He holds an MFA in Photography from Ulster University (2019). His work explores place, land, and architecture, drawing on conceptual, performative, and subjective documentary approaches.