Inge Morath, Austrian-American, 1923 - 2002
Title: Ireland, Killorglin, Co. Kerry, Gypsy Family, 1954
Date: 2010
Medium: Archival pigment print
Dimensions:
Image: 35.5 x 23.5 cm
Sheet: 40.5 x 30.5 cm
Credit Line: Purchased, 2019
Object Number: NGI.2019.127
DescriptionAustrian-American photographer, Inge Morath began her career working as a translator, journalist and editor before moving on to photography. She began photographing in London in 1951 and joined the newly formed Magnum Photos agency in 1953. She spent much of the 1950s travelling Europe. In 1954, she visited Ireland and photographed the activities of those who attended the Puck Fair in Killorglin, County Kerry. She was particularly taken by the diverse cultures, activities and people of Killorglin. She delved into their homes, livelihoods, dress and pastimes. The National Gallery of Ireland acquired 8 works by Morath in 2019 (NGI.2019.123-130). This series of photographs not only forms an important document of Irish social history, but sheds light on the Traveller community in Ireland during the 1950s, which is often under-represented in collecting institutions nationally.
Morath always carried two cameras with her: one that shot on black and white film and the other for making colour images. Every time she spotted the colour red in her desired composition she would shoot in colour. The colour photographs by Morath in the NGI’s collection are some of the only surviving vintage works in colour by the artist.
Furthermore, there is an interesting connection to Ireland in Morath’s family: her daughter Rebecca Miller (American filmmaker) is married to the British-Irish actor Daniel Day Lewis and the pair have a close association with Ireland and Irish film culture. The couple divide their time between their homes New York and Wicklow.
Morath always carried two cameras with her: one that shot on black and white film and the other for making colour images. Every time she spotted the colour red in her desired composition she would shoot in colour. The colour photographs by Morath in the NGI’s collection are some of the only surviving vintage works in colour by the artist.
Furthermore, there is an interesting connection to Ireland in Morath’s family: her daughter Rebecca Miller (American filmmaker) is married to the British-Irish actor Daniel Day Lewis and the pair have a close association with Ireland and Irish film culture. The couple divide their time between their homes New York and Wicklow.
ProvenancePurchased, Clair by Kahn Gallery, Zurich, in conjunction with the Inge Morath Estate, New York, 2019
Inscriptionlower right: Inge Morath Estate [Embossed]