The Moving Land: Ireland in Image and Verse

Billy Mundow's documentary photography captures monochrome images of Ireland from the 1960s to the words of Irish poets, recalling lost generations. The work follows in the footsteps of the late Bill Doyle and features poetry by Gerald Dawe, Patrick Kavanagh, Richard Murphy, Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, Moya Cannon, Paul Durcan, Paul Muldoon, and the photographer. The photographs depict Inishbofin, County Galway; Tory Island, County Donegal; rural Ireland; and Dublin City, and are taken on the fly, on the sly, like Cartier-Bresson's Leica.

Format: Hardback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2024
Publisher: The Lilliput Press Ltd

Billy Mundow's captivating collection of documentary photography seamlessly weaves monochrome images of Ireland from the 1960s alongside the evocative words of Irish poets, evoking a sense of nostalgia for lost generations. The photographs capture the remote and sparsely populated West of Ireland, its breathtaking islands, and the bustling streets of Dublin, showcasing the diverse landscapes and vibrant culture of the country. Mundow's focus on portraiture and personality aligns with the artistic legacy of the late Bill Doyle, creating a series of images that evoke a sense of familiarity and connection with the viewer.

The poetry featured in the collection, penned by renowned Irish poets such as Gerald Dawe, Patrick Kavanagh, Richard Murphy, Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, Moya Cannon, Paul Durcan, Paul Muldoon, and Mundow himself, takes the form of a dinnseanchas, interspersed throughout the photographs. These poems serve as a haunting commentary on the passing of time and the erosion of memories, resonating with the viewer as they flick through the pages.

Mundow's photographs, taken on the fly and with a sense of spontaneity, capture a sense of archaic beauty and longing. They evoke a bygone era, a time when horses were led along muddy lanes, women adorned themselves with headscarves, and children played in doorways. The images transport the viewer to a world that seems to have vanished, leaving behind only remnants of a bygone civilization.

In this way, Mundow's collection serves as a powerful testament to the power of documentary photography to preserve and evoke memories, connecting the past with the present and reminding us of the rich cultural heritage that has shaped Ireland. Through his lens, Mundow has captured a glimpse of a vanished world, one that continues to captivate and inspire us.

Weight: 732g
Dimension: 197 x 252 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781843518853