Born (New York City) and Living in Dublin for 8yrs 

As a visual artist, I am driven to create a unique visual multiverse. A Fusion of elements from a range of artistic styles, such as surrealism, Pop Art, Italian Futurist, and Afro-Futurist; the visual images I create are colorful, spiritual, and embedded with surrealist undertones. Using my photography as an outlet of political expression, I explore a range of socio-political issues within my work, such as race, gender, the finding or creating of moments, and the pursuit and discovery of harmony and balance. My Oeuvre combines elements from my academic, personal, and professional background in Mathematics, Art History, creative installations, and costume design. What had once been minority middle-class neighborhoods were destroyed, first by drugs, and then by gentrification. After emerging from this cultural milieu, it was after college that I turned to photography as a means of expression and embarked on my career as a professional visual artist. I continue to challenge my audience by raising awareness about issues like in my ‘Migration/ Integration’ series and Capall Gang series. By holding a mirror up to society, I aim to make sense of the ever changing world. I’m one of the Cofounder of the ÍOVA Club, a photographers-led Club that gives voice to image makers. The group has done two Culture Night group shows, presentations, and gallery visits all to help build a photography community in Ireland. 

 

Claxton has taught photography classes to middle schools In New York City, Morocco, And Ireland.

 

Claxton has had work featured in a number of galleries and magazines, from Japan, the Caribbean, Europe and across the USA. Collections include The Montreal Nude Collective, City of New York Baco Collective, The Brecht Forum Gallery, The Light Factory, the Contemporary Museum of Photography and Film, The Living Gallery, Greenpoint Gallery Archives, Rue Red Gallery, RHA Annual group exhibition, Gallery X, Ardgillian Castle Gallery, Spazio Gallery.

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Tel:089 980 8606   |   Ishmaelclaxtonphotos@gmail.com