Photographer Ross McDonnell

Out of context, Ross Mcdonnell’s photographs resemble scenes from Kurt Russell’s classic “Escape From LA,” or for those of you on the east coast, “Escape from New York.” That is to say, Mcdonnell’s series, entitled “Joyride,” Alas, S.D. “Snake” Plissken is not to be found in these photographs (sorry to disappoint). Instead, what you’ll find are bone chilling photographs of an armed and reckless Irish youth. The series namesake “Joyride” is a ritualistic practice that involves stealing a vehicle, evading the authorities, and then setting the vehicle ablaze once all the joy has been squeezed out of the experience.resembles chaos incarnate, something that only those wacky apocalyptic writers could dream up.Ultimately, what Mcdonnell has captured is more than just incriminating evidence. It is, instead, a snap shot into the harrowing lives of Ballymum Flats residents. For those of you don’t know, the Ballymum Flats were Dublin tenements, or projects (most, if not all, have been demolished). They were relics of Irish independence. In fact, the seven towers that comprised these projects were named after Irish leaders who were put to death after the Easter 1916 uprising, which was a desperate and bloody attempt made by Irish citizens to end British Imperial rule (Think: American Revolutionary War, only more current).

                                             >>>Ross McDonnell