SSNCI Conference in New York
SSNCI is the Society for the Study of Nineteenth-Century Ireland. It is an organization dedicated to promoting research into nineteenth-century Ireland. It welcomes members from a wide range of disciplines, including literature, history, economics, geography, sociology, theology, anthropology, and women's studies, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to Irish studies of that era.
In June 2024, I had the privilege of participating in the SSNCI conference in Glucksman House at New York University. The theme of this year’s conference was "The Concept of Time in 19th-Century Ireland". My presentation focused on how newspapers and the act of reading them were depicted in 19th-century Irish painting. Additionally, I explored the development of mass journalism and the role of news reading in Irish society during that time.
In June 2024, I had the privilege of participating in the SSNCI conference in Glucksman House at New York University. The theme of this year’s conference was "The Concept of Time in 19th-Century Ireland". My presentation focused on how newspapers and the act of reading them were depicted in 19th-century Irish painting. Additionally, I explored the development of mass journalism and the role of news reading in Irish society during that time.
The Intersection of Journalism and Art
As a journalist, art historian and researcher specializing in Irish studies, I have long been fascinated by the intersections between journalism, art, and historical consciousness. The 19th century was a transformative period for Irish print media, with newspapers becoming a crucial means of communication and national identity formation. At the same time, Irish artists were capturing elements of contemporary life, though newspapers themselves were rarely a focal point in their compositions.
In my research, I examined how artists subtly incorporated the presence of newspapers into their works to comment on literacy, political engagement, and the dissemination of information. Some paintings emphasized the communal act of reading, where groups of people gathered to discuss the latest news, reflecting a shift in the public’s interaction with information. Others, such as Richard Moynan’s The Little Newspaper Boy, depicted newspaper vendors, highlighting the socioeconomic realities of the time.
In my research, I examined how artists subtly incorporated the presence of newspapers into their works to comment on literacy, political engagement, and the dissemination of information. Some paintings emphasized the communal act of reading, where groups of people gathered to discuss the latest news, reflecting a shift in the public’s interaction with information. Others, such as Richard Moynan’s The Little Newspaper Boy, depicted newspaper vendors, highlighting the socioeconomic realities of the time.
Presenting my research at an international conference was both an exciting and challenging experience. While I have written extensively about Ireland in Russian, this was my first time delivering a paper in English at such a prestigious academic gathering. Preparing for the conference involved refining my arguments, ensuring clarity in my language, and adapting my presentation style to an international audience.
The response from fellow scholars was incredibly encouraging. Engaging in discussions with experts in the field allowed me to gain new perspectives and refine my ideas further. I also had the opportunity to attend fascinating talks by other researchers, deepening my understanding of how concepts of time, media, and culture evolved in 19th-century Ireland.
Looking Ahead
This experience has reinforced my commitment to sharing my work in multiple languages and across different platforms. As I continue my research, I hope to further explore the role of newspapers in shaping Irish cultural identity and to expand my focus to include more visual and textual sources from the period.
Participating in the SSNCI conference was a significant milestone in my academic journey, and I look forward to future opportunities to contribute to international discussions on Irish history and culture.
