Press

Housed in a magnificent 18th century building beside the Panthéon in Paris, with a remarkable heritage as the former Irish College, the Centre Culturel Irlandais is Ireland’s cultural flagship in Europe.

The Centre presents the work of contemporary Irish artists, reinforces the rich heritage of Franco-Irish relations in today’s international context and fosters a vibrant and creative resident community. In addition to its diverse cultural programme, the CCI houses France’s primary multi-media library of resources on Ireland as well as significant historic archives and an Old Library.

Exhibitions of the season

Daragh Soden - Ladies & Gentlemen

From the 14th of November to the 21th December

Opening night Thursday 13 November, from 6.30pm to 9pm, admission free

Winner of the British Journal of Photography Undergraduate Single Image Award in 2016 and the Grand Prix du Jury Photo at the Hyères Festival in 2017, Daragh Soden came to international recognition nearly a decade ago with his series Young Dubliners.
The CCI is delighted to present a selection of works from his latest series of large-format portraits, Ladies & Gentlemen, which raises questions around gender roles, photographer-subject relationships and performative expressions of identity. Placing himself in front of the lens as well as behind, Daragh says: ‘I decided to play out my role in front of the camera, addressing the sometimes awkward relationship between the author and the subject. Like the individuals in drag, I both subvert and confirm the roles expected of me. Whether as an admirer, collaborator, narcissist or voyeur, I explore different dynamics with each sitting, ranging from alpha-male dominance to passive servitude’.

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