Mincéirs are a nomadic ethnic minority indigenous to Ireland, recognised by the Irish Government and the settled population as Irish Travellers. The Mincéir is a true name of the Irish Travellers in their own language which is called Cant or Gammon, although they speak English, they sometimes use their own lingo amongst themselves. History traces Travellers back to the 5th Century where they were skilled at tin-smithing and horse trading. 21st Century Travellers are proud of their heritage and continue to carry out these skills. Even in these modern times many families face hardship and racism
Born in Boston, Joseph-Philippe started drawing and painting after he lost his hearing at the age of 3. He took up photography during his senior year at a private school in Massachusetts. In 1985, he enrolled at the Rochester Institute of Technology to study photography where he remained there for 2 yrs before changing direction in career due to financial circumstances, In 1990 he return to photography to study at the Art Institute of Boston. In May 2000, he moved to Ireland with his wife and 2 sons. 18 years later Joseph-Philippe started documenting Irish Travellers using a digital camera.
Awards
2020 - 15th Pollux Awards - Overall Winner
2020 - British Journal of Photography 'Portrait of Britain' shortlisted
2018 - International Photography Awards - 3rd place - Fine Art Portrait
2018 - PX3 Paris, Silver Award - Portrait/Culture
2018 - Photo Vogue Italia 'When Ethic meets Aesthetics' - Finalist
2018 - LensCulture Portrait Awards 2018 - Finalist
2017 - Clare County Council Art Act Grant, Ireland
2014 - Clare County Council Art Act Grant, Ireland
2008 - Art Disability Forum Grant Award, Belfast
1999 - Central Intelligence Agency Art Exhibit - Certificate of Appreciation
1999 – Central Intelligence Agency Art Exhibit – Certificate of Appreciation
1997 – American Society for Media Photographers – Gold & Bronze Awards
1996 – American Society for Media Photographers – Silver & Bronze Awards
1996 – Photographer’s Forum, 16th Annual Photography Contest – Honourable Mention
1994 – Art Institute of Boston Portfolio Competition – 1st Place
1994 – Photographer’s Forum, 14th Annual Photography Contest – Honourable Mention
1992 – Art Institute of Boston Portfolio Competition – 1st Place
1991 – Art Institute of Boston Portfolio Competition – 1st Place
1991 – Photographer’s Forum, 11th Annual Photography Contest – 4th Place
1990 – Architect Gallery Contemporary Competition – 1st & 2nd Place
1990 – Soho Art Competition #11 – Certificate of Appreciation
1985 – New England Camera Club Black & White Print Competition – 3rd Place
1984 – Brooks School – Visual Arts Award
1984 – Bradley Art Competition – Honourable Mention
