Q&A
Cornelia Nauenburg's images explore the backstreets of Dublin, looking beyond the familiar tourist facade and taking a look at what she calls 'real life Dub'. She contrasts the dreariness and grit of the surroundings with the innocence of the local children, and invites the viewer to look at her city in an unconventional way.
This body of work shows an intriguing contrast to the cosmopolitan tourist destination vision of Dublin that most people outside the city have. Do you see these images as being a reflection of the true nature of your city or is this simply fringe aspect of Dublin?
I do think the images depict what can truthfully be seen everyday in Dublin. The images show a reality of the city which is being overlooked by so many inhabitants and tourists every day although it stands directly before their eyes. Most people only look at the beautiful things and aspects that Dublin has to offer which I think is wrong, it is not where the truth of the city lies and never has. It is a true reflection of the city that the majority of people likes to leave out.
What inspired you to embark upon this body of work and what were you trying to portray about the location and its inhabitants?
I established this project when thinking about Dublin and Ireland in the 21st century. Ireland is usually being shown as a country of beauty, famous for its faces that tell stories of pints and happiness...why not go back to what Dublin really had to suffer and still does in certain parts today. Although the Celtic Tiger hit the country and made it one of the wealthiest in the world, there were always people left behind and never portrayed. I walk the streets of this city everyday and feel that there is a need to not only document wealth but also truthful images of everyday life. The pyjama kids were where I wanted to start.
How do you interpret the relationship between the images of the children alongside those of the estate itself?
I feel that there is a relationship of emptiness, the portraits are working alongside the still images which allows for interpretation. The seemingly happy pyjama kids are in stark contrast to their broken surroundings.
Who and what has influenced your work?
My influences have been Alec Soth, Alex Webb.
Are you currently working on any new projects?
Yes, I am currently working on a documentary project in connection with World War Two, its stories and its survivors in Germany.
Where do you hope that your photographic work will lead you?
Next to my photojournalist images I also shoot fashion so I hope to be working in either field in the near future.
And finally; MC Hammer or Vanilla Ice?
MC HAMMER...