Sometimes, it takes an outsider to understand a country, or a community, with a fresh and unique perspective. American photographer, Gina Brocker, pulls the curtain back on the Irish, especially those that haven’t yet found their four leaf clover. Her newest series, The Donovans, follows a family of Irish travelers and Gina captures their realities without judgement and with compassion. Though I am only featuring a dozen images, it’s worth seeing the entire series to appreciate her ability to find ordinary moments and capture them in an extraordinary way.

Gina received her BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MC, and her MFA from the University of Wales. Her work has been well received, including being selected for, 25 Under 25:Up-and-Coming American Photographers (Vol.2), jurored by Sylvia Plachy and co-published by Duke University’s Center for Documentary Studies and Powerhouse Books (New York, 2008).

Statement for The Donovans : this body of work depicts the rapid transition from child to adult for the donovans, a family of irish travellers. due to their alternative lifestyle, the transition into adulthood is expedited. once the comforts of childhood diminish expectations are met and roles are filled. this transition is not independent to the traveller community; instead it is something most can empathize with. the photographs allow the viewer to experience each individual’s world, showing moments of their everyday life in an intimate light.

Images from The Donovans