Mark Leahy
I am a lens-based artist from Westmeath in Ireland exploring sustainability, social issues, and the cyclical nature of the world. Some of my influences are Wendy Ewald, Anthony Luvera and Frank Lebon. Collaboration is an extremely important feature of my work and I try to create projects with my subjects, not about them. This balances the power dynamic of the photographer and subject, encouraging them to take more control of how they are represented and perceived. I want to apply my understanding of visual language in a positive and socially responsible manner.
Class Of 2021
Class of 2021 is a collaborative photobook made with the staff & 6th class students of St. Kenny’s National School in Mullingar. I asked the students to reflect on their isolation due to the Covid lockdown and engage in photography to express their experience. The students contributed their ideas, their own pictures, and sat for portraits; all to create a record of this historic time.
Portraits of Amy Michelle & Kope
When not working on documentary projects I like to work with musicians helping them to develop their own image. Recently I worked with two up and coming musicians from Mullingar, Amy Michelle and Kope.