Conversations with Tyler Seamus Murphy on Photographing Patterns Across Cultures
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Sep 3, 2025 Seamus Murphy, an Irish photographer and filmmaker, shares his gripping experiences from conflict zones around the world. He discusses the resilient spirit of Afghanistan and the complex cultural implications of Taliban rule. Murphy reflects on Ireland's cultural shifts since the Celtic Tiger era and contrasts that with his time in America and India. He recounts near-death encounters with Boko Haram in Nigeria and explores the visual parallels between American and Russian life through his photography. Join him for a vivid journey through art, conflict, and cultural identity.
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Afghans' Resilience Is The Core Hope
- Seamus Murphy trusts Afghans' resilience and deep love of country as the basis for optimism.
- He believes the diaspora and remittances will be crucial for Afghanistan's future recovery.
1979 Marked A Historical Turning Point
- The Soviet invasion and regional extremist currents around 1979 caused a dramatic reversal of Afghanistan's modernizing trend.
- Murphy notes photography from the 1950s–60s shows Western-style dress before decades of conflict changed everyday life.
Urban Growth Outpaced Infrastructure And Oversight
- Kabul expanded massively from hundreds of thousands to millions without matching infrastructure.
- Murphy criticizes donors for continuing large sums despite knowing corruption undermined development outcomes.
