"MIS[S]UNDERSTOOD"

Daylight, 2024

96 pages | $50.00

“We are Travellers, we are different,” a mother gently tells her children in the opening pages of Mis[s]understood. The children already know this. They’ve grown up acutely aware of how their community is set apart. 

After six years of documenting the Irish Travelling community, photographer, Michele Zousmer reveals a group of people defined not by marginalization but by pride, resilience, and a deep-rooted identity. The resulting photobook, Mis[s]understood, published by Daylight books offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the often misunderstood stories of the Irish Traveller community. 

With deep respect and empathy, Zousmer particularly focuses on the intricate lives of women within this community. Blending striking photographs with personal quotes from the subjects themselves, this photobook presents the challenges they face and the pride and spirit that sustain them. The images are bold and flamboyant, often collaboratively posed, offering a vivid glimpse into the unique lifestyle of the Irish Travellers. Within their mobile homes and tightly woven social circles, these photographs capture both the vibrancy and intimacy of their daily lives. These images exhibit moments of joy and sincerity, highlighting playful interactions and instances of spontaneous laughter. 

Alongside these moments, Zousmer also reveals the weight of hardship and struggle, portraying a deeply human narrative. The images and quotes reveal a deep longing for a brighter future for their children, the struggles in navigating faith, and the emotional hardships of seeking acceptance from others. Almost every photograph is paired with a quote rather than a traditional caption, immersing the reader directly in the experience of the community. The seamless integration of text and imagery on every page creates a dynamic and more intimate engagement with its material. Through this insightful work, Zousmer brings a deeper understanding and calls for us to “recognize that in the most meaningful ways, they are just like you and me.”

The Irish Travellers are an ethnic minority indigenous to Ireland. Despite their traditionally nomadic lifestyle and the subsequent dispersion of their community, they still maintain a shared dialect, strong cultural traditions, and a deep commitment to the Catholic faith. Zousmer explores the community’s profound dedication to their faith, documenting traditions that shape their identity. At the same time, Zousmer sensitively navigates the complexities of the women’s flirtatious mannerisms and provocative facades, questioning this unique attribute of their identity.  Through this photographic work, Zousmer explores how these expressive social dynamics coexist with deeply rooted cultural values. 

Beyond the powerful purpose of this photobook, a new generation of Traveller girls is actively challenging stereotypes, and reshaping the perception of their community, striving to redefine what has long been misunderstood. “We are strong. We are beautiful. We have faced challenges with grace and resilience,” states an Irish Traveller. “We deserve to be recognized for all we do for our families and community. There are lots of nice settled people but they look at you differently. You know?” 

With their chins held high, these women refuse to conform to the expectations imposed upon them by society. Instead, they stand with confidence, demanding to be seen and respected for who they truly are, on their own terms.

From striking portraits to candid glimpses of everyday life, as well as posed group shots and ceremonial images, these photographs serve as a window into the heart of the Irish Traveller community, offering a platform for the Irish Traveller to be seen and understood. As one woman powerfully asserts, “I would never pretend to be what I’m not, put on a false show for anyone. What you see is what you get.”

Together, and with unwavering companionship, these Irish Travellers come together to share a story of a long-rooted resilience, strength, and an enduring commitment to preserving their exuberant culture. Through generations of adversity, they have held fast to their traditions and embraced their heritage. In all their glamour, these Irish Traveller women insist on dignity and respect, redefining what it means to be a Traveller woman in the modern world. 

–Review by Alice Currey

Alice Currey recently graduated from New York University with an individualized major in photojournalism, specifically its use in conflict resolution and collective security. Having spent her childhood in Kenya and her teen years in Uzbekistan, she has adopted a cultural insight and empathy that uniquely understand the power of visual storytelling in implementing global change. As both a writer, photographer, and editor, she hopes to contribute to preserving the practice and integrity of photojournalism.