Gypsy Ray (1949-2020), originally from the USA, lived and worked in County Kilkenny since 2000. Her rich artistic practice included photography, drawing and teaching.
A native of Illinois, USA, Gypsy Ray studied drawing and photography at the University of Iowa, later receiving her Masters Degree in photography from Goddard College. Most of her USA based photographic work was created in California where her series based on the work with the San Francisco Aids Foundation and San Francisco Hospice received national and international attention. Resident in Ireland since 2000 she continued her documentary practice through creative engagements with local Camphill communities and with Traveller communities in County Kilkenny. Her work is to be found in many public and private collections
Photos courtesy of KTCM
‘Traveller Pride Week 2025’ took place recently across Ireland, celebrating the culture, resilience, heritage, ethnicity and contributions of the Traveller community.
In Kilkenny, the Kilkenny Traveller Community Movement (KTCM), in collaboration with the Mayfair Library and the Butler Gallery, marked the beginning of the week with the powerful launch of the photographic exhibition ‘Unfiltered – Traveller Lives in Focus’ on Monday, May 19th.
The exhibition features emotive images taken by renowned photographer Gypsy Ray, who captured intimate moments of Traveller life over the years. The launch was deeply moving, evoking both tears and joy as attendees reflected on images of loved ones who have passed and children who have grown into adults.
Helena Power, who officially opened the exhibition, highlighted both progress and persistent challenges facing the Traveller community: Helena spoke on how a lot has changed for Travellers and how there are new opportunities, and supports.
Continuing her talk Helena said “There is growing awareness of the challenges Travellers face. However, Travellers continue to face marginalisation, over-crowded accommodation, poor mental health, hate, demonization, stereotyping and racism”.
Speaking at the library Ms Power said that Travellers and Traveller organisations continue to highlight the injustices and call on policy makers to employ an asset or strengths based model. The asset based model emphasizes individuals’ strengths, resources, and potential for growth.
Concluding her talk, Helena said “It focuses on building upon what people already have and empowering them to overcome challenges. A deficit based model exists in Ireland. This model focuses on what individuals are missing or lacking, often highlighting weaknesses and problems. It can lead to a negative view of individuals and their abilities”
The event also featured a poetry reading by Kilkenny writer and poet Samantha Joyce, whose inspirational words resonated deeply with those in attendance. People also had the opportunity to ‘make a wish’ and tie a ribbon on the May Bush. The May Bush, a decorated bush traditionally placed outside homes or in public spaces, holds significant meaning in Irish folklore and culture, primarily revolving around protection and luck.
Traveller Pride Week continues to shine a light on the rich cultural heritage of the Traveller community while also calling for greater inclusion, respect, and understanding across Irish society’.
A spokesperson for the Kilkenny Community Traveller Movement said that they were indebted to the Mayfair Library, the Probation Service, Kilkenny County Council, Kilkenny Leader Partnership and Kilkenny Carlow Education and Training Board for their support and guidance for Traveller Pride 2025’.
On the train
By Samantha Joyce
Bright yellow fields stretch wide,
Emerald green grass whispers to the sky.
Blue skies dance in the morning light,
As the train hums through the land so bright.
Ireland’s beauty, like a secret untold,
Unfolds in hues of green and gold.
Each passing moment, a painting serene,
A sight I’ll carry, forever seen.
The countryside sings in its quiet grace,
With every turn, a new embrace.
Whizzing by, I can feel the soul,
Of this land that makes me whole.
Plenty of cows roam, grazing free,
But it was the horses that called to me.
Three riders, proud on fields so wide,
The horses majestic, despite the stride.
Their coats gleamed in the morning light,
As they moved like shadows, swift and bright.
An equestrian haven, untamed and true,
I marveled at them, as the sky turned blue.
Enchanted by the fields, the sky, the scene,
Ireland’s heart beats calm and serene.
Through the window, a view to behold,
A treasure that’s priceless, more precious than gold.
