Aftermath Exhibition: The Market House, Monaghan; 24 June – 25 July
In 1969 the largest evacuation of refugees since World War II took place in Ireland as thousands of people fled across the border to escape the unfolding conflict in Northern Ireland. In subsequent years the border counties continued to be heavily impacted; many people were injured or killed in bombings and shootings whilst others were imprisoned or displaced.
Filmmaker and Aftermath director Laurence McKeown, commissioned photographic artist Anthony Haughey, and music composer Elaine Agnew worked closely with many of these people to produce an exhibition of photography, film, music, and audio.
Press Release Aftermath: Exchange Gallery at Belfast Exposed Thursday 5 December 7-9pm
PRESS RELEASE
Aftermath: Exchange Gallery at Belfast Exposed
Thursday 5 December 7-9pm
Exhibition runs from 5 – 20 December 2013
Belfast Exposed are delighted to present Aftermath.
In 1969 the largest evacuation of refugees since World War II took place in Ireland as thousands of people fled across the border to escape the unfolding conflict in Northern Ireland. In subsequent years the border counties continued to be heavily impacted; many people were injured or killed in bombings and shootings whilst others were imprisoned or displaced. Following the Good Friday Agreement and the cessation of overt conflict the issue arose of how to address the legacy of conflict.
In the mid 1990s increasing political and economic stability in Ireland created the conditions for a new demographic shift with the arrival of asylum seekers and refugees from all over the world. These people often experienced the same fears and anxieties as their counterparts from the north. They also encountered similar suspicions and prejudices on arrival in their new home.
Aftermath sets out to explore hidden histories, unresolved antagonisms, and personal hopes and dreams. The project brings together people directly affected by trauma to share their experiences through photography, film and music. Playwright, filmmaker and Aftermath director Laurence McKeown and commissioned artist Anthony Haughey have worked closely with victims/survivors of the northern conflict, asylum seekers, refugees and people displaced by conflict.
Aftermath presents an extensive series of photographs by Anthony Haughey; a series of filmed interviews by Laurence McKeown; and a commissioned music score by Elaine Agnew, which includes the voices of participants. Aftermath was launched in Louth County Museum, Dundalk in September 2013 and has toured to Gallery of Photography, Dublin 1 November – 10 November, The Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, Newry from 14 November – 30 November 2013; and Belfast Exposed, Belfast from 5 December – 20 December 2013.
EXHIBITION EVENTS
Opening of Aftermath Exhibition
Thursday 5 December | 7-9pm | Exchange Space
Opening speeches by Director of Belfast Exposed Photography, Pauline Hadaway and Kate Turner, Director of Healing Through Remembering
Exhibition Seminar and Book Launch
Wednesday 18December | 12pm, 1pm | Exchange Space
This seminar will focus on different aspects of the Aftermath project with film maker, playwright and Aftermath director Laurence McKeown, photographic artist Anthony Haughey, and researcher Dr Pauline Conroy.
At 1pm the Aftermath book will be launched by Belfast city Mayor, Máirtín Ó’Muilleoir. Refreshments will be served.
To reserve a place at the seminar please contact us on ciara@belfastexposed.org
Acknowledgements
The Aftermath project is supported by the European Union’s PEACE III Programme as awarded by Louth Peace and Reconciliation Partnership.
Aftermath: Newry Opening
aftermath 
the exhibition
Sean Hollywood Arts Centre
14th – 30th November
You are invited to the launch of Aftermath – the exhibition, in the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, 14th November at 7.00 p.m. The Aftermath project is funded through the EU Peace III Programme as awarded by the County Louth Peace and Reconciliation Partnership. The exhibition continues until the 30th November. Admission is free.
In 1969 the largest evacuation of refugees since World War II took place in Ireland as thousands of people fled across the border to escape the unfolding conflict in Northern Ireland. In subsequent years the border counties continued to be heavily impacted; many people were injured or killed in bombings and shootings whilst others were imprisoned or displaced. Following the Good Friday Agreement and the cessation of overt conflict the issue arose of how to address the legacy of conflict.
In the mid 1990s increasing political and economic stability in Ireland created the conditions for a new demographic shift with the arrival of asylum seekers and refugees from all over the world. These people often experienced the same fears and anxieties as their counterparts from the north. They also encountered similar suspicions and prejudices on arrival in their new home.
Aftermath sets out to explore hidden histories, unresolved antagonisms, and personal hopes and dreams. The project brings together people directly affected by trauma to share their experiences through photography, film and music. Filmmaker and Aftermath director Laurence McKeown and commissioned artist Anthony Haughey have worked closely with victims/survivors of the northern conflict, asylum seekers, refugees and people displaced by conflict.
Aftermath presents an extensive series of photographs by Anthony Haughey; a series of filmed interviews by Laurence McKeown; a specially designed sound installation, which engages visitors with the participants’ narratives and a commissioned music score by
Elaine Agnew, which includes the voices of participants. The exhibition also includes archival newspaper articles and photographs documenting the growing tensions in
Northern Ireland from 1968.
The exhibition is supported by a programme of curated events.
Visit http://www.aftermath-ireland.com
For press information contact Sean Hollywood Arts Centre on: 028 3031 3180, email:arts.reception@newryandmourne.gov.uk
Today with Sean O’Rourke
New play
Time was my next two guests were mortal enemies, Laurence McKeown was a member of the IRA, a hunger striker and served a life sentence for attempting to murder an RUC Officer. Roger McCallum was an RUC officer during the Troubles and dedicated his life to putting people like Laurence behind bars.
However, the two came into contact through a group called “Healing Through Remembering” and have joined forces to act as advisors on “Crows on the Wire”, a play written by Jonathan Burgess, which looks at the transition in 2001 from the RUC to the PSNI. They joined Sean on the programme.