A VISUAL media exhibition which is based on original documents and accounts from the people who were affected by the Civil War in Kerry has been opened at Siamsa Tíre in Tralee by the Minister for Education, Norma Foley.
Mise, le Meas is an innovative collaboration between visual media students from MTU Kerry Campus and Kerry College and presents a series of creative interpretations of the events of the Civil War in the county as well as the stories of many combatants and survivors.
The exhibition follows months of research and preparation by students of the BA (Hons) in Animation, Visual Effects and Motion Design at the Munster Technological University, alongside learners of the Digital Design and Visual Communication Programme in Kerry College.
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It forms part of the Kerry Civil War Conference which opens on Thursday next.
Minister Foley described the exhibition as one featuring ‘real stories and real people’ and which would introduce the Civil War to a very wide audience.
She praised the exceptional creativity of students at MTU and Kerry College and encouraged members of the public to visit the exhibition over the next two weeks.
The large format and small-scale works, both printed and digital, are based on the lives of local individuals.
Included are well-known local figures such as Stephen Fuller, the sole survivor of the Ballyseedy and Private Joseph O’Brien, who was seriously injured in the trip-mine explosion at Knocknagoshel.
There is also a particular emphasis on the inclusion of women and their experience of the Civil War. The stories of Cumann na mBan members, Elizabeth Dunne and Mollie O’Shea are explored, with a graphic novel format illustrating the story of the Power sisters from Tralee.
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The creative format promises to be of interest to a wide audience and of particular interest to local schools. Admission to the exhibition is free.
“The students have created inspiring and diverse visual responses to Civil War narratives, focusing on original documentation and poignant letters sent and received during this tumultuous and formative period in Irish history,” said MTU lecturer, Lisa McElligott.
The Kerry Civil War Conference, which takes place on 23, 24 and 25 February, forms part of the Decade of Centenaries Programme for 2023 and is supported by Kerry County Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
For more information and bookings see www.kerrycivilwarconference.ie and www.siamsatire.com. Scroll down for photos…
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