Contact

Lizzie Downes

+353 (0)87 6730180

info@lizzie-downes.com

About

Lizzie’s work explores themes of identity and vulnerability through process-driven documentary projects and portraiture. Her training and research on rights-based representation from her NGO background deeply influences her practice: ethically-informed collaboration with subjects is central to her approach. Projects such as Muslim Women and Identity, Cleaning Lady and Undocumented have involved in-depth research and engagement with subjects. Social or community themes, with specific relevance to the lives of women, and in particular those who might be marginalized or invisible in society, are the main focus of her work.

Exhibitions

2023: Griffith College Graduate Show, Dublin

2021: Zurich Portrait Prize (shortlisted), National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin & Crawford Gallery, Cork

2020: Photoworks, Griffith College exhibition (online)

2019: CEAD annual exhibition, National College of Art and Design, Dublin

Education

2023: BA in Photographic Media, Griffith College, Dublin

2019: Graduate Certificate in Photography & Digital Imaging, NCAD, Dublin

2009: Participatory Photography Methods. Photovoice training, London.

Teaching and facilitation

2002 – present:

  • Seminars on visual representation and ethical practice for third-level photography and visual arts students in TUD, NCAD, Ballyfermot CFE and NUIG.

  • Images and Messages training and strategy for NGOs countrywide (developing rights-based communication on global development issues).

  • Train-the-trainer workshops on participatory photography methodology and process; Photovoice project with unaccompanied migrants (CDETB Youth and Education Service for Refugees and Migrants).

Selected publications

Downes, L. (2016). The visual representation of global development issues in a higher education environment: perception, interpretation and replication. Policy and Practice. A Development Education Review, Vol. 23, Autumn, pp. 16-37

Downes, L. (Ed.) (2010). Proceedings from The Africa Centre Conference on The Use of Images and Messages – A Human Rights Issue. Dublin

Downes, L. (Ed.) (2009). Images of the Global South. Guidelines for primary teachers for working with photographs from around the world. Dublin: Comhlámh