7 March 2016
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
The Crosshaven based Irish Redhead Convention are hosting an exhibition of Jörg Köster’s redhead portraits at Cork Airport from today ’til hte end of the month.
The “King and Queen of the Redheads” will attend an opening reception on Thursday, 10 March at 5.30pm in the Airport.
Jörg, who has been photographing redheads at the Irish Redhead Convention over the past five years has amounted a photographic collection of over 1,000 gingers and a selection of these will be on display. With over 7,500 passengers through the airport each day, it’s an exciting opportunity to showcase this stunning collection which really captures our glorious red hair and the wonderful characters who frequent Irish Redhead Convention.
The ongoing photography project began five years ago when Jörg Köster, a Cork based advertising, fashion and food photographer by profession developed an interest in redheaded subjects after shooting Irish clothing products for German catalogues. Having started his redhead portfolio, he learned about the Irish Redhead Convention and we invited him to set up a photo studio at the event. His portfolio now documents gingers of all ages and from all corners of the globe, a project which would have taken decades under normal circumstances. Redheads were invited to get their portrait for free at the Convention, while proceeds from the sales of prints were directly donated to the Irish Cancer Society, a contribution which has amounted to almost € 4,000 to the national charity to date.
“ I am very excited to show a selection of my redhead portraits as large scale prints in a beautiful public space like Cork Airport. In a world of digital perfection, we in the advertising business spend a lot of time manipulating images and distorting reality to create “flawless” subjects.
I wanted my portraits to be natural, spontaneous and pure. By using daylight and a grey backdrop I aimed to bring out the natural beauty of red hair and freckles, which for so long were considered to be a flaw.
It has been a great experience to meet so many proud redheads, hear their stories and receive so many positive facebook messages from all over the world.” says Jörg
Cork Airport is the international gateway to the South of Ireland and is uniquely positioned at the start of the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East. It is the country’s second largest and busiest international airport with more choice of routes than any other airport outside of Dublin. More than 2 million passengers travel through the airport each year, flying to top destinations across the UK and throughout continental Europe. Cork Airport’s customer service (as voted by passengers) has won national and international awards.
The Irish Redhead Convention will also feature in the Cork City St Patrick’s Day celebrations and redheads of all ages are invited to join the ginger loving group and take part in the colourful parade. To find out more and sign up to be a part of the group’s “Foxy Float”, visit redheadconvention.ie
