Dublin by Dusk: Photographing Death

As Halloween approaches, join photographic historian and librarian Orla Fitzpatrick for a fascinating exploration of how we photograph, represent and remember the dead.

Drawing on her research into Irish post-mortem studio photography, Orla will explore the history of images of the dead and how photographers, historians and museums have shaped our understanding of death. She will also discuss Imaging Conflict, an exhibition she co-curated with Brenda Malone of the National Museum of Ireland, in partnership with Photo Museum Ireland, examining how death is depicted in images of conflict.

From intimate memorial portraits to photographs documenting violence and loss, this talk considers the ethical questions that arise when we look at images of the dead, and how museums can approach these sensitive subjects with care and responsibility.

Part of Dublin by Dusk, this timely talk invites us to look beyond the macabre associations of Halloween and reflect on photography’s powerful role in how we confront death, preserve memory and honour the lives of those who are gone.

About the speaker

Orla Fitzpatrick is a Dublin-based photographic historian and librarian whose research explores the history of photography and its cultural significance.

This event is supported by the Night-Time Economy After Hours at the Museum Scheme and Dublin by Dusk.