An exhibit of Irish author portraits by photographer Robin Hiteshew, Beyond the Words Portraits of Irish Writers, will open June 5th at Neumann University, Aston, in Delaware County. The exhibit is sponsored by the Donegal Association of Philadelphia and funded in large part by an Irish Heritage grant through the Irish government’s Emigrant Assistance Programme, whose aim is to connect with Irish citizens living in the United States.
This is the second grant Hiteshew has received from the Irish government. The first supported his project documenting Irish traditional musicians over the last forty years. That project, titled The Face of Irish Music, opened in February 2015 at the Irish Consulate in New York City, where it was well-received and drew 250 people, including a large group from Philadelphia. It has traveled to four other cities so far and is under consideration in several others.
The portraits in this new exhibit are part of an archive of nearly 100 authors he has photographed over 38 years. He reports that he would meet the writers at appearances to give readings or by appointment. The Irish author project demonstrates the long vibrant history of Irish literature and introduces younger emerging Irish writers to a wider audience in the US. In addition, the exhibit has portraits of widely recognized and acclaimed contemporary Irish writers that exemplify the Irish contribution to world literature.
The opening reception takes place on Thursday June 6th from 4-6 pm. Hiteshew has asked the Irish community for support by coming out and joining him at the opening reception. The exhibit will be open June 5 to June 26.