Shane Coughlan

Róisín Dubh, 2024

Photograph on photo rag paper 

‘Róisín Dubh
The pain of losing yourself
to the system, the disease
or dark desires.
The path to inner healing.
Freedom of self.
Freedom from the state.
Freedom of the people.’

Róisín stands outside the notorious Magdalene Laundry on Sean McDermott Street, Dublin 1. - Shane Coughlan

Growing up in Dublin’s north inner city, Shane Coughlan was always aware of the cultural and historical importance of his surroundings but also conscious of the stigma and negative image that are often attached. In photographing inner-city Dublin, Coughlan is frequently looking for remnants of his upbringing, reminders of his childhood – oldworld characters in ever-changing surroundings; looking for what remains of old Dublin while exploring the new people and cultures that share the same streets, and ultimately portraying a more realistic picture of life in this area.

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