Ireland and the British Empire: Essays on Art and Visuality

This collection of essays explores the complex relationship between Ireland and British imperialism, examining how visual culture has been shaped by the empire. It covers a wide range of topics, including fashion, architecture, museum displays, and art exhibitions, and offers valuable insights into the impact of imperialism on Irish culture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2023
Publisher: Peter Lang International Academic Publishers

The book is divided into three parts. The first part explores the ways in which the British empire was represented in Irish art and visual culture from the late eighteenth century to the early nineteenth century. The second part examines how the empire was experienced and interpreted by Irish artists and audiences in the nineteenth century. The third part looks at the ways in which the legacy of the empire continues to shape Irish art and visual culture in the twentieth century.

The first essay in the collection, by James Moran, Professor of English at the University of Nottingham, sets the tone for the rest of the book. Moran argues that the British empire was not just a political and economic force, but also a cultural one that had a profound impact on Ireland. He explores how the empire was represented in Irish art and visual culture, and how Irish artists responded to the empire in their work.

The second essay, by Fionna Barber, Reader in Art History at Manchester Metropolitan University, takes a more thematic approach to the analysis of Irish visual culture and the British empire. Barber argues that the empire was not just a source of oppression and exploitation, but also a catalyst for creativity and innovation. She explores how Irish artists used the empire as a subject in their work, and how they responded to the empire's impact on their lives and their communities.

The third essay, by Eamonn O'Keeffe, Professor of Art History at the University of Glasgow, looks at the ways in which the legacy of the empire continues to shape Irish art and visual culture in the twentieth century. O'Keeffe argues that the empire's impact on Ireland is still felt today, and that Irish artists are still using the empire as a subject in their work. He explores how the empire's legacy is represented in Irish art and visual culture, and how Irish artists are responding to the legacy of empire in their work.

The collection of essays is a valuable addition to the literature on Ireland and the British empire. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the ways in which the empire has pervaded and continues to pervade Irish art and visual culture. The essays are written by leading scholars in the field, and they offer a wealth of insights and perspectives on the subject. The book will be of interest to scholars of Irish culture, art history, and imperialism more generally.

Weight: 389g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788742993
Edition number: New ed