Paul Murray - Side Street (Signed)
Signed 1st edition
Self Published, Nov, 2025
Hardcover
96 pages
210 x 250 mm
ISBN 9781036932404
Condition: New
As a street photographer, Paul Murray's focus isn’t always on grand statements or major events. Instead, the approach is drawn to the unnoticed moments, the fleeting pauses, and the quiet transitions that unfold in plain sight. In his first photobook, 'Side Street', the artist explores these subtle, often overlooked spaces that exist all around us.
These images capture the in-between places: the blurred reflections in a shop window, overlooked textures bathed in a particular light, the brief instants between dawn and the full rush of the city, or just a solitary figure caught in quiet thought. They represent the spots where definitions loosen, and the usual hustle of life seems to fade, if only for a second.
The photographs in this collection avoid clear narratives or specific destinations. They aim to capture the act of being suspended-those short, unplanned moments where time seems to slow down. Each image invites the viewer to look closer at the familiar, to find the quiet drama in a passing shadow, a brief glance, or an unscripted interaction. The collection demonstrates how the everyday can suddenly reveal a hidden depth.
This project resulted from exploring 11 cities and countless hours of walking, observing, and patiently waiting for scenes to unfold. The photographer is fascinated by how light and shadow articulate boundaries, drawing attention to unseen textures or the subtle shift in a person’s posture. The goal is to highlight the ephemeral nature of these street scenes, encouraging the audience to linger in the ambiguity, rather than seeking a definitive meaning.
Ultimately, this book is an invitation to see one's surroundings with fresh eyes, no matter the location. It suggests that the most compelling observations often occur not in grand, planned events, but in the subtle, unscripted flow of life. It’s about recognising that the world is full of these fleeting, beautiful transitions, and that true insight comes from simply being present and open to what one encounters.
Biography:
Paul Murray is an award-winning Irish street photographer and co-founder of the Dublin Street Photography Festival. Based in Dublin, Ireland, he merges a background in Fine Art and graphic design to capture the fleeting, often unnoticed moments of urban life. Known for his unique approach, Paul has been recognised with an Emerging Artist Bursary from the Arts Council of Ireland. His work has been exhibited internationally in countries including Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, India, and Mexico.