Deirdre Power
THEN / NOW Deirdre Power’s practice, through social engagement & photography records and responds to the changes in the environment, economy and society by adopting a sustained discourse with communities about the ideas and aspirations that shape the very basis of community life. Power’s endeavor is to seek a self-actualization by bridging the intersection between civic authority and community needs whilst offering resources and tools of dialogue for interpreting a sense of place. This dialogue that is established with a variety of agencies and individuals promotes clarity in models of practice that are appropriate in this time and place in Ireland. Her work is concerned with the notion of spatial planning and urban renewal, with an end to challenging dominating systems of urban planning in general. The objective is to facilitate and offer tools to the community through the understanding of artistic practice and how socially engaged art practice can have a positive impact on the community collectively.