THE BIRDIE MURAL AND AN EXAMPLE OF PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART
THE BIRDIE K J CONWAY MURAL AT FERRY WALK IN CORK [ALSO A PAINT-A-BOX TRIBUTE]
The Mural: "Birdie" there is also what appears to be a Paint-A-Box tribute.
This mural is a tribute to Kate J. 'Birdie' Conway, a significant historical figure from Cork. Commissioned in June 2018 as part of the 'Rebel Street' Street Art festival, the artwork was created to honour her life and her contributions to both the arts and the Irish revolutionary cause.
The Subject: Kate J. 'Birdie' Conway (1870 - ?)
The notice/plaque provides a fascinating biography of this remarkable woman:
Early Life and Opera Career: Born in Carrigaline in 1870, Kate Conway became an internationally renowned opera singer. She performed under the stage name Mlle Del Rita. Her voice was said to be so beautiful and sweet that she earned the nickname "Birdie".
Revolutionary Involvement: After retiring from her singing career around 1900, she dedicated herself to the Irish nationalist cause. She became the President of the Shandon Branch of Cumann na mBan, the Irish republican women's organisation.
Contributions to the National Army: A quote from fellow Cumann na mBan member May Conlon highlights her dedication: "Her time and services were devoted to the National Army... she visited the wounded in hospital, provided comforts for the troops, organised concerts at various out-posts and in the city. The troops at Collins Barracks were her special care".
The Artist and Creation
Artist: The mural was created by the Cork-based artist 'Mr Everybody'.
Artist's Motivation: A self-taught artist with a background in the graffiti scene, he later studied classical drawing and oil painting. He states his inspiration for the piece:
"I was truly inspired by the resilience of 'Birdie' a woman of many, who during the War of Independence never really got full recognition for all they did during that time - it is my way of showing my support to the women of our country today."
Commission and Support
The project was a collaborative community effort, commissioned by Cork Community Art Link. It was supported by a number of prominent local and national bodies, including:
Creative Ireland
Cork City Council Arts Office
Cruinniú na nÓg
Cork City Libraries
Cork City and County Archives
RAPID
In summary, the mural is a modern celebration of a historic Cork woman, bringing her story of artistic talent and revolutionary spirit to a public space for all to see and appreciate.
The Mural: "Birdie" there is also what appears to be a Paint-A-Box tribute.
This mural is a tribute to Kate J. 'Birdie' Conway, a significant historical figure from Cork. Commissioned in June 2018 as part of the 'Rebel Street' Street Art festival, the artwork was created to honour her life and her contributions to both the arts and the Irish revolutionary cause.
The Subject: Kate J. 'Birdie' Conway (1870 - ?)
The notice/plaque provides a fascinating biography of this remarkable woman:
Early Life and Opera Career: Born in Carrigaline in 1870, Kate Conway became an internationally renowned opera singer. She performed under the stage name Mlle Del Rita. Her voice was said to be so beautiful and sweet that she earned the nickname "Birdie".
Revolutionary Involvement: After retiring from her singing career around 1900, she dedicated herself to the Irish nationalist cause. She became the President of the Shandon Branch of Cumann na mBan, the Irish republican women's organisation.
Contributions to the National Army: A quote from fellow Cumann na mBan member May Conlon highlights her dedication: "Her time and services were devoted to the National Army... she visited the wounded in hospital, provided comforts for the troops, organised concerts at various out-posts and in the city. The troops at Collins Barracks were her special care".
The Artist and Creation
Artist: The mural was created by the Cork-based artist 'Mr Everybody'.
Artist's Motivation: A self-taught artist with a background in the graffiti scene, he later studied classical drawing and oil painting. He states his inspiration for the piece:
"I was truly inspired by the resilience of 'Birdie' a woman of many, who during the War of Independence never really got full recognition for all they did during that time - it is my way of showing my support to the women of our country today."
Commission and Support
The project was a collaborative community effort, commissioned by Cork Community Art Link. It was supported by a number of prominent local and national bodies, including:
Creative Ireland
Cork City Council Arts Office
Cruinniú na nÓg
Cork City Libraries
Cork City and County Archives
RAPID
In summary, the mural is a modern celebration of a historic Cork woman, bringing her story of artistic talent and revolutionary spirit to a public space for all to see and appreciate.