My work over the last number ofyears has focused on the rights denied to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgenderpeople. [transpose] is a work in progress that documents transgender peoplein environmental portraits in their homes on their own or with their partnersand families. The images have been made together via direction andcollaboration. The work documents ‘safe spaces’ for transgender people inDublin and around the country. Many of the portraits and stills have been madeat the wonderful space Outhouse on Capel Street. Another facet of thisproject involves the documentation of trans activists and allies. It is important to me to have a record of thepeople who are currently denied rights in our country as well as and the peoplewho are fighting for equality. This isimportant to me not only because of identifying as a bisexual woman and anactivist but because the trans* community despite some progress is one of themost marginalised groups in society.
In Ireland transgenderpeople cannot have the gender on their birth certificate changed. Ireland isone of the few EU countries that does not allow for legal recognition oftransgender people. Other issues that transgender people face are; forceddivorce (many couples have found their relationship is strengthened through atransition and they find themselves faced with having to break up theirfamily), adequate access to healthcare, lack of qualified and knowledgeabledoctors (some of the participants in this project have been educating the doctorsinstead of being helped)......and the list goes on.
The work exposes peoplein their own environment and portrays that we are all the same. Is it fair to be denied rights, respect anddignity just because of who you are? Aquestion the viewer might consider is how could anyone deny this person anyright?
Alison is currently studying onthe MFA in photography course at Ulster University. Paul Seawright, Donovan Wiley, Martin Parr,KayLynn Deveney, Doug Dubois and her classmates have all been in one way or anothera great source of inspiration. Prior tothis she studied on the Photography and Digital Imaging course at the NationalCollege of Art and Design and graduated in 2011.
An exhibition of her work iscurrently on at Outhouse, 105 Capel Street, Dublin 1.
Alison McDonnell, Dublin
MFA Photography, University of Ulster
PDI, NCAD
Currently working on [transpose] a documentary that explores transgender lives in Ireland including allies, activists and safe spaces.
Exhibition of three bodies of work are currently on display at Outhouse, 105 Capel Street, Dublin 1
Available for work/commissions