Who Fears to Speak
Ireland
2026
Who Fears to Speak explores the experience of the children and youths from the republican stronghold areas of The Bogside and Creggan, County Derry. These areas were hugely affected by conflict during The Troubles from both the British army and local paramilitary groups. The conflict ended with The Good Friday Agreement 1998 with the removal of British troops and a mandate for the end of paramilitary activity. Despite the overall violence being brought to an end, an ongoing cycle of violence still exists, even for those not alive for The Troubles or The Good Friday Agreement. This tension is seen amongst the youngest members of the community, provoked by their collective history, politics and sometimes the adults around them. This project looks at two specific traditions, Easter, Rising commemoration and The Internment Bonfires.
Portfolio
About the artist
Born in 1995, Clodagh O’Leary uses documentary photography and she explores the relationship between tradition and transformation in Ireland. She is drawn to remnants of Ireland’s social and political past, exploring its legacy in current Ireland. Blending social realism and nostalgic iconography, she aims to put focus on communities that are marginalised or who practice fading traditions.