Images from behind the curtain

An exhibition capturing the focus and nervous energy of performers waiting backstage for their final curtain call is now open at Cork Opera House.

Created at the famous venue over a number of years, Miriam Hurley’s ‘Standing By’ offers the public a rare and intimate glimpse into a world of seldom seen moments.

Her striking black and white images attempt to capture a hidden vulnerability and sense of trepidation, portraying these most disarming moments as performers become detached and alone before emerging from the wings to take the stage.

As a keen photographer, Miriam was initially tasked with taking promotional shots for in-house performances to be used in the media, but her attention was soon turned to a far more intimate subject matter.

“What really caught my eye was being backstage as actors and performers prepared themselves in the dressing rooms. I knew that I had a unique perspective that only a very few get to see and I wanted to capture these rarely witnessed moments on black and white film,” says Miriam.

In creating these images, Miriam strived to portray the scenes she witnessed in a pure and undisturbed manner.

“I was able to photograph various performers unobtrusively and while in preparation in a natural way. I felt very privileged to have been part of the process and I am delighted to share it now with the general public,” she says.

In 2018 Miriam created the first part of this body of work at Cork Printmakers studios and completed the project during 2020 and 2021.

The use of different print techniques, inks and papers gave Miriam the opportunity to rework the photographs, playing with tonal range and texture to capture the true atmosphere experienced when taking the image.

The exhibition can be viewed at Cork Opera House foyer during café opening hours. A short documentary by Colm Walsh accompanies the exhibition and can also be viewed online.

Cork Printmakers are presenting ‘Standing By’ as part of their 30th Anniversary Programme. Established in 1991, Cork Printmakers is a professional print studio, gallery and resource organisation providing artists with facilities and equipment to create artwork through the medium of print.