MEGAN DOHERTY CAPTURES THE NEON DREAMS AND LATE-NIGHT ADVENTURES OF SMALL TOWN YOUTH

Between blurry nights and red-lit rooms, Megan Doherty introduces us to an alternate reality she has created in her small corner of the world, Derry, Northern Ireland.

MEGAN DOHERTY CAPTURES THE NEON DREAMS AND LATE-NIGHT ADVENTURES OF SMALL TOWN YOUTH

Text and curation by Clare Callaghan.

Between blurry nights and red-lit rooms, Megan Doherty introduces us to an alternate reality she has created in her small corner of the world, Derry, Northern Ireland. Far removed from the typical Irish landscape, Doherty envisions a world of murky nights within colourful fantasies. Shot down dark alleyways or dimly lit rooms; her photographs bring to light the strong connections and close bonds she holds with those who surround her.

The cinematic style of her photographs conveys dreamlike encounters and whimsical adventures featuring girls with brightly coloured hair and couples in tender embrace.

There is a sense of innocent impulsiveness to the lives these individuals lead. Following their journey through day-to-day adventures, we become silent voyeurs, observing intimate moments between the subjects Doherty photographs. On the cusp of being welcomed into the frame; we quietly observe from the outside.

Perhaps these photographs stem from the experience of growing up within a small town; with the urge to be something different; to belong within an underground world.

This photographic series quickly blurs into reality and Doherty’s striking images allow the viewer to become lost in this adolescent dream of quiet yearning.

Each photograph becomes an intertwining of midnight adventures, mixed with warm embraces and lonely nights at busy parties.

Moments within these vivid images represent a longing for a city that never sleeps and a youthfulness that will never die.

See more of Megan Doherty’s work on Instagram. 

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