BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Ruby Wallis attempts to explore the elusive nature of representing the other as subject in photography. Within this process she comes to realise that the photographer, the subject and the spectator are entwined in a triangle, one in which the three gazes intersect, only to reflect our subjective visions. Through the practice of photography Wallis works with portraiture in an intimate way, often focusing on close domestic relationships, a fascination with psychological space becomes integral .
Wallis has completed an M.A in Documentary photography in 2007 at The University of Wales, Newport. She completed a fine art painting degree at G.M.I.T. in 2004, graduating with first-class honours.
Wallis has been exhibiting widely since 2002 and has been working as a community artist/ facilitator, notably at The Galway Arts Centre since 2000 ; Arus Eanna in Inis Oir for Artist in the community scheme (CREATE) 2005/ 2006 and 'Burning Bright' an artistic residency which facilitates artwork made with the residents of nursing homes in county Galway 2005/2006/2007.
She has currently compiled a series of photographic images entitled 'Other Madonnas,' which will be exhibited in London as part of the M.A graduates of Newport, The Galway Arts Centre and Ballina Arts Centre, 2008. As part of this project Wallis asked poets to respond to the images with a short text among those who contributed were, Claribel Alegria, Alice Lyons and Betsy Carayette.
Past exhibitions include 'City of Ideas', Barons storage, 2007. 'The Space between', Ffotogallery, Penarth, Cardiff, 2007, 'Individual threads,' Cuirt festival of literature, Curated by Michael Dempsey, 2003, Galway. 'Other Madonnas,' Tulca, 2006,Galway. 'Ordinary Moments', Ard Bia, Galway, 2004.
Wallis and was short listed for The Gallery of photography's Artist award in 2006, Dublin.
Wallis received the Simon Cambers media award in 2005 during which time she travelled with author Michael McCaughan to document the devastating aftermath of hurricane Stan to villages in Guatemala and Mexico, the images and text were posted on Indymedia and published in The Village magazine, 2006. Wallis is currently curating an exhibition of work made to document 'The Shell to Sea' campaign. This will include photographers, writers and film makers based in Ireland.