Mark Leahy
I am a photographer from Westmeath. My work tends to focus on social issues and subcultures. Collaboration is an extremely important feature of my work where I try to involve my subjects in the creative process. I find that working with others helps fuel the creative process and this helps drive my projects. In my work, I want to apply my technical abilities and my understanding of visual language in a positive and socially responsible manner.
Choke Hold
This Project is the culmination of a 10-week investigation into the culture of Jiu Jitsu in Ireland. I focused on a gym in Mullingar called Lakelands Jiu Jitsu. This project explores every facet of the sport, the victory, the defeat, the friendships, and the fluid dichotomy it has with it, the intimacy and brutality.
I achieved this by immersing myself in the culture of this martial art, by training with and speaking with the members of the gym, going to competitions and teaching myself the history and philosophy of the sport. All to gain a better understanding and to create an intimate insight.
Similar to a dance or performance. I was surprised by how open and friendly the people within the community were, as there was a great sense of fraternalism among the men at the gym and I was instantly welcomed. Shown as a series of strikingly vivid images, their unembellished rawness is accentuated by the stark contrast between black and white.
Photobook
This book explores the journey of the members of the gym from training to competition.