Object Poverty Exhibition

DCU School of Nursing & Human Sciences and the SAOL Project, a Dublin-based community project aimed at improving the lives of women affected by addiction and poverty has today launched a photographic exhibition to drive awareness of the poverty experienced by Irish people throughout the country.   

The Object Poverty project, funded by the Department of Social Protection, involved asking over 200 hundred people from a range of societal and occupational backgrounds a simple question:

In your opinion what object(s) represent(s) poverty?

Sixteen diverse objects - a sleeping bag, boots, a pill, an empty purse, an uncut key, a paper cup, soap, a roll-up cigarette, an empty plate, a toothbrush, cardboard, a hot water bottle, a hypodermic needle, a button, bread and empty basket - were selected to reflect the reality of those living in poverty and examine society’s perceptions of poverty.  Each image was accompanied by written contributions from students and staff involved in nursing, health and social care education programmes in DCU’s School of Nursing & Human Sciences.  

Dr Briege Casey, programme co-ordinator of the Certificate in Homeless Prevention and Intervention at DCU said,   

“Almost like an alternative Advent Calendar, this exhibition aims to remind us of the difficulties experienced by the 750,000 men, women and children living in poverty in Ireland today.  I would strongly encourage members of the public to visit the exhibition over the coming weeks and I hope it causes pause for thought as we approach what is, for most of us, a time of celebration and plenty.”

The exhibition was opened by Maureen O’Sullivan TD and featured remarks by Catriona Crowe, historian and chair of the SAOL project, as well as DCU Deputy President, Professor Daire Keogh.  

Following today’s launch the exhibition will be on display in the O’Reilly Library, DCU Glasnevin Campus.