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The Irishman whiskey is a key sponsor of ‘The Paddy Irishman’ art project (Home - Paddy Irishman Project), a ground-breaking and innovative art project that challenges historical stereotypes about Ireland, during St. Patrick’s Week in New York City.
The multimedia, not-for-profit project is being exhibited in several high-profile locations from 12th to 17th March in New York City, the location of the world’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations outside of Ireland. It will also exhibit during Easter to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, the international agreement that brought peace to the island of Ireland in 1998.
The Paddy Irishman Project, by photographic artist Ross O’Callaghan, captures the stories of 50 people identifying as Irish and male, whose names are either Paddy, Pat or Pádraig (the Irish for Patrick). The 50 ‘Paddies’ are diverse in age, background, ethnicity and sexuality. Collectively, their stories challenge the prejudice of stereotypical views and reveal a new narrative that explores identity on the island of Ireland in the 21st century.
The project is driven by Ross O’Callaghan’s inspiration to meet, photograph, record and curate the stories of each person through photography and audio-visual media. Announcing the launch of the project, Mr O’Callaghan said: “My idea was always to take a far-reaching, affectionate and curious look at the depth and breadth of the Irish male and their experience, while challenging a stereotype that has followed us for generations.
He added: “My intention has always been to launch in New York City - to export a new vision of Ireland, a snapshot of us no matter how we identify or whatever our beliefs, tradition or birth right. This is about who we were, who we are and where we’re going.”
Creator of The Irishman Whiskey, a key sponsor of the project, Bernard Walsh said: “The renaissance of Irish whiskey in recent decades, which The Irishman whiskey has been a leader in, aligns very well with ‘The Paddy Irishman Project’. We too have been challenging stereotypes since 1999, both our own and other peoples’, in terms of what we know about and can expect from Irish whiskey.
He added: “We hope that many of the two million people that come to New York City for St. Patrick’s Week will make time to engage with the both the Paddy Irishman Project and The Irishman whiskey and think afresh of Irishness and Irish whiskey. The two don’t have to go hand-in-hand…but it’s a fine combination if they do!”
Project Schedule & Venues:
The whole project with numerous stories, photos, and more can be seen here: Home - Paddy Irishman Project.