🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #42 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this insightful episode, we sit down with the renowned Irish photographer and educator Martin Cregg. His work masterfully captures the evolving landscape of rural and urban Ireland, blending personal heritage with broader socio-political themes.

About Our Guest: Martin Cregg

Martin Cregg is an acclaimed photographer based in Dublin, where he serves as Coordinator of Photography at Pearse College of Further Education. Known for his long-term projects, Martin’s work explores the transformation of Irish landscapes during pivotal periods, such as the Celtic Tiger era and the Irish War of Independence. His projects, including “Midlands”, “A Fading Landscape”, and “The Plot”, combine personal reflection with documentary precision, making his photography both intimate and universally resonant. Martin has been twice nominated for the prestigious Prix Pictet (2010 & 2016) and has exhibited internationally, including at *Les Rencontres d'Arles* (France) and *PhotoIreland*.

Tune in to this episode to:

* Explore the development of Martin’s major projects like “Midlands”, “A Fading Landscape”, and “The Plot”.

* Learn how Martin captures Ireland’s evolving landscapes and documents the effects of economic and social change on rural communities.

* Discover the personal connections to heritage that inform his work, particularly the emotional depth behind “A Fading Landscape”.

* Delve into “The Plot”, a project focused on the Irish War of Independence, and how historical testimonies shape Martin’s photographic process.

* Gain valuable advice for emerging photographers on how to balance personal narrative with broader cultural contexts.

Don't forget to:

* Subscribe to our channel for more deep dives into the world of art and photography.

* Like and share this episode to support Martin’s unique vision of Irish photography.

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EPISODE LINKS:

* Martin’s Website: martincreggphotography.com * Martin’s Instagram: @martincregg.photography

OUTLINE:

0:00 - Introduction to Martin Cregg

5:21 - Discovering Photography Through Video Production

10:24 - The Influence of Rural Upbringing on Creativity

29:43 - Starting Long-Term Projects: The Development of "Midlands"

37:53 - Capturing Ireland’s Economic Changes in "Midlands"

47:41 - Reflecting on Nature’s Reclamation in the "Midlands" Project

51:27 - Influence of the American New Topographics Movement

1:21:54 - Introduction to "A Fading Landscape": Exploring Heritage and Identity

1:24:44 - Processing Personal Guilt and Disconnection in "A Fading Landscape"

1:40:55 - Beginning "The Plot" Project: Documenting the Irish War of Independence

1:49:23 - Photographic Techniques for Capturing Historical Sites in "The Plot"

1:52:02 - The Impact of Historical Testimonies in "The Plot"

2:03:11 - Final Advice for Emerging Artists: Enjoy the Process and Find Your Purpose

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#MartinCregg #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #IrishArt #Midlands #AFadingLandscape #ThePlot #Heritage #DocumentaryPhotography #urbanautica #stevebisson #PatrickLeeHubbard