Youth of the Island Field
Tamara Eckhardt

Several times over a period of three years, Tamara Eckhardt visited St. Mary’s Park on King’s Island, Limerick, which is the most impoverished neighborhood in Ireland, with high levels of job insecurity, unemployment and addiction. There, day after day, she photographed the residents of the town’s social housing, which was built in the 1930s to accommodate families who had until then been living in overcrowded and low-quality tenements.

Because of its geographical location, the housing estate is largely isolated from the surrounding town. Nevertheless, a strong community spirit prevails; everyone knows each other and they are fiercely loyal, though also defensive and mistrustful of outsiders. During her visits Eckhardt gradually formed bonds with the young people of St. Mary’s Park. Her series of photographs that focus on the theme of childhood and growing up presents a sympathetic portrait of their daily lives. It addresses a certain lack of perspective that children growing up under difficult circumstances, struggling with prejudice, have. Youth of the Island Field is a visual testimony to their ability to adapt and to find ways to enjoy themselves.

Year of production: 2019-2021

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