For close to a decade, Miriam worked as Marketing Manager in Cork Opera House, documenting and capturing the various stages of preparations backstage. Her photographs of actors, performers and musicians were often used to promote shows but over time she began to capture the more thoughtful reflections and moments of vulnerability the artists experienced just before they’d leave their dressing rooms or emerge from thewings to perform.
Standing By is a series of photo-etching prints, created at Cork Printmakers, using a range of print techniques, inks and papers that play with tonal range and texture to evoke a more authentic rendering of the true atmosphere backstage.
Speaking about her time at Cork Opera House, Miriam said: “What really caught my eye backstage was the actors and performers preparing themselves prior to going on stage, in those final moments, waiting in the wings before taking to the stage. I knew I had a unique perspective, that only a small few get to see, and I wanted to capture these rarely witnessed moments on film. I was able to photograph performers unobtrusively. I felt very privileged to have been part of the process and I am delighted to share it now with a wider audience”.
Miriam Hurley is a Cork-based artist and member of Cork Printmakers. Miriam’s work begins with photographs she has taken on film and digital cameras from a range of subjects. Her current artwork reflects a unique combination of her own photography with various photo etching printmaking techniques to create limited edition fine art prints.
Miriam says: “the inspiration for my art stems from what captivates me when taking a photo and my wish to share that moment in time with the viewer. Recreating my photos with traditional print making techniques enables me to bring that unique perspective to life again allowing the viewer to experience the mood I felt when capturing and creating the print.”
As well as featuring in group exhibitions in Ireland Miriam’s artwork has been exhibited in Italy and London. Her work can be viewed in the collections of the National Gallery of Ireland, the Office of Public Works and Eli Lilly. Her work is for sale through Cork Printmakers, Nano Nagle Place and Triskel Arts Centre.
Miriam Hurley and art critic Cristín Leach in conversation in the reception foyer of Cork Opera House, discussing Miriam’s new body of work titled Standing By.
