Cillian Johnston
Relics
During a trip around Ireland, I encountered grottos—enigmatic relics of a bygone era, often tucked within working-class neighborhoods. These sites, adorned with plaques from local sponsors in the 1950s, evoke a time when the church exerted undue influence over daily life. To me, they symbolize an oppressive nostalgia, urging passersby to remain anchored in misery. Yet, I also met caretakers who passionately maintain these grottos, exhibiting both pride and devotion, while others appear neglected. This duality resonates within me; while I grapple with my skepticism toward these faith symbols, I respect their significance to others. Thus, I present my images concealed in boxes—encouraging a private engagement, inviting viewers to seek meaning without imposing it upon them.
Elena Barschazki • Anya Carter • Rosie Feeney • Rosie Gillis • Cillian Johnston • Emily Roche • Ying-Hsin Yu •
Bath Spa University
BA (Hons) Photography
University of Brighton
BA (Hons) Photography
Cardiff Metropolitan University
BA (Hons) Photography
University of Chester
BA (Hons) Photography
Crawford College of Art and Design
BA (Hons) Fine Art
University of Cumbria
BA (Hons) Photography
Griffith College Dublin
BA Photographic Media
TU Dublin
BA (Hons) Photography
Edinburgh College
BA Professional Photography
Edinburgh Napier University
BA (Hons) Photography
Glasgow School of Art
BA (Hons) Fine Art Photography
Glasgow School of Art
BA (Hons) Communication Design
Goldsmiths University of London
BA (Hons) Media and Communications
University of Hertfordshire
BA (Hons) Photography
University of Huddersfield
BA (Hons) Photography
Kingston University London
BA (Hons) Photography
University of Lancashire
BA (Hons) Photography
Leeds Trinity University
BA (Hons) Photography
Limerick School of Art and Design
BA (Hons) Photography and Moving Image
London South Bank University
BA (Hons) Photography
Manchester Metropolitan University
BA (Hons) Photography
University of Greater Manchester
BA (Hons) Photography
Middlesex University
BA (Hons) Photography
National College of Art and Design
Certificate in Photography and Digital Imaging
Pearse College of Further Education
QQI Level 6 Photography
Arts University Plymouth
BA (Hons) Photography
University of Portsmouth
BA (Hons) Photography
University of Salford
BA (Hons) Photography
Sheffield Hallam University
BA (Hons) Photography
University of Suffolk
BA (Hons) Photography
Ulster University
BA (Hons) Photography with Video
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
BA (Hons) Photography in the Arts
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
BA (Hons) Documentary Photography and Visual Activism