Transformative Urban Landscapes: Subset's Street Art in Ireland
Street art often serves as a vibrant and disruptive element within an urban landscape. In Ireland, the Dublin-based art collective Subset has gained prominence for its bold and thought-provoking murals that enliven city walls. Formed over a decade ago, the group is known for its diverse range of styles and its exploration of cultural icons alongside witty social commentary.
While street art's ephemeral nature contributes to its allure, Subset's ongoing Grey Area project has highlighted the challenges artists face in Ireland. The project emerged as a response to Dublin City Council's approach to large-scale public artworks. Subset's aim is to simplify the planning processes for street artists, ultimately seeking to transform Dublin into an open-air gallery.
Among Subset's most iconic works is the 2017 mural dedicated to the grime rapper Stormzy, which graced Smithfield Plaza. The mural not only became a popular selfie spot but stood as a rare celebration of a Black artist within the Irish arts scene. Other notable Subset murals include their pieces featuring global figures like Donald Trump and David Attenborough, often infused with Subset's signature brand of bold satire.
Alongside their independent street art, Subset has collaborated with established brands, demonstrating the growing impact and recognition of street art within contemporary advertising and visual communication. As the battle for artistic freedom in urban spaces continues, Subset remains at the forefront, pushing the boundaries of the Irish street art scene.
Let me know if want me to focus on any specific examples of Subset's work.
I was aware of the original work "An Irish Eviction" by Daniel MacDonald, a powerful depiction of a family being evicted during the Great Famine (c. 1850). I knew that Adam Doyle had digitally replaced the original 19th-century figures with images of contemporary Gardaí (Irish police) and private security personnel, often seen in modern eviction scenarios.
This modern artwork ignited debate upon its resurfacing in 2023 after the Irish government ended an eviction ban. Some see it as a poignant commentary on Ireland's housing crisis and the historical trauma of evictions. Others criticise its portrayal of An Garda Síochána.
Note: Gardaí are not actively removing people from their homes during an eviction. That is typically carried out by a sheriff or private security personnel.
Many recent evictions in Ireland stem from rental properties where tenants fall into arrears. In such cases, it is less likely that the Gardaí would be involved. But I am certain that, regardless, those being evicted will be traumatised.
Doyle maintains the work highlights the emotional weight of evictions within Ireland's collective memory. He draws parallels between historical landlordism and the ongoing housing struggles faced by many Irish citizens.
Daniel MacDonald emerged from the vibrant artistic community of Cork, Ireland, in the early 19th century. The son of a caricaturist, he inherited his father's eye for detail and line, demonstrating a natural talent for drawing from a young age. Initially known for his playful pen-and-ink sketches, he captured personalities and scenes of Cork with both humour and insight. These early successes, including having etchings published as a teenager, fuelled his artistic ambition.
As he matured, MacDonald's focus shifted. He became fascinated by the lives and struggles of Ireland's ordinary people. He honed his skills in various mediums – chalks, watercolours, and oils – to portray the rural labourers and urban working class with both dignity and realism. Yet, his life and career would be indelibly marked by the tragedy of the Great Famine (1845-1849). Unlike most of his contemporaries, MacDonald confronted the devastation head-on, producing stark and haunting images that captured the despair and desperation of the starving population. His most famous work, "An Irish Peasant Family Discovering the Blight of their Store", is a devastatingly iconic image of the Famine era.
Seeking wider recognition, MacDonald and his family moved to London in the mid-1840s. There, his unflinching depictions of the Famine garnered attention and a degree of critical acclaim. Tragically, his promising career was cut short when he died at the young age of 32 in 1853.
Though his life was brief, his legacy remains important. MacDonald stands as one of the few Irish artists of his time to directly confront the horrors of the Great Famine, offering a raw and unflinching visual record of a defining period in Irish history. His works remain important for their historical value as well as their poignant depiction of human suffering and resilience.
Adam Doyle is a contemporary Irish artist and illustrator whose work often blends pop-culture references, satirical humour, and social commentary. Working digitally as well as with traditional mediums, Doyle draws inspiration from sources ranging from comic books to classic paintings. He is known for a distinct style that often features bold outlines and a raw, unfinished quality. His work frequently sparks conversation and even controversy by challenging societal norms or highlighting social injustices.
As already mentioned, one of Doyle's most discussed pieces is his reworking of Daniel MacDonald's "An Irish Eviction". This digital alteration overlays figures of contemporary Gardaí and security personnel onto the historical depiction of a Famine-era eviction. This image has generated debate about Ireland's housing crisis, historical memory, and the role of protest art.
Doyle's work often touches upon themes of Irish identity, social inequality, and the power dynamics within society. He is an active presence on social media, where he shares his art and engages with his audience, fostering discussions about the deeper meanings behind his creations.
Irish art, Eviction art,Protest art, Daniel MacDonald, Adam Doyle, The Great Famine, Housing crisis, Historical memory, Spicebag, gardaí, private security workers,Arbour Hill in Dublin, Dublin 7,
The Sigma 500mm F/5.6 DG DN OS Sports: A Closer Look at a Super-Telephoto Powerhouse.
I have the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS which I got at a very good price but I have only used three or four times because of its size and as it attracts way too attention attention. I am now considering the possibility of getting the Sigma
Introduction
Sigma continues its impressive expansion into native E-mount lenses with the announcement of the Sigma 500mm F/5.6 DG DN OS Sports. This super-telephoto prime lens promises to entice wildlife, sports, and aviation photographers with its combination of reach, optical performance, and a relatively approachable price point compared to similar offerings.
Let's dive into its key features and considerations before it hits shelves.
Standout Specifications
Focal Length: 500mm grants immense reach for capturing distant subjects.
Maximum Aperture: f/5.6 offers a good balance between light gathering and lens size/weight.
Optical Design: Incorporates SLD (Special Low Dispersion) and exotic fluorite-type elements for exceptional sharpness and reduced chromatic aberrations.
Autofocus: Dual Hyper-Sonic Motors (HSM) promise fast, accurate focusing, crucial for tracking action.
Optical Stabilization (OS): Compensates for camera shake, essential at this focal length.
Sports Designation: Built with dust and splash resistance for demanding environments.
Weight and Dimensions: (Insert when available) – likely lighter and more compact than many equivalents.
Why Consider the Sigma 500mm?
Reach and Resolution: Ideal for photographing subjects where getting physically closer is impossible or undesirable. Expect high detail rendition.
Affordability (relative): Sigma often sets competitive prices, likely making this more accessible than first-party super-telephotos.
Travel Potential: If its size and weight align with expectations, it could be a more travel-friendly option.
Potential Alternatives
Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS: Offers zoom flexibility at a similar price, potentially sacrificing some outright reach.
Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD: More affordable still, but also with zoom flexibility vs. the Sigma prime.
Used First-Party Lenses: Older, used 400mm or 500mm primes might be an alternative if top-tier autofocus isn't essential.
Important Considerations
Aperture: f/5.6 may necessitate higher ISOs in some lighting conditions.
Technique: 500mm demands good technique to maximize sharpness handheld. A sturdy tripod is highly recommended for extended use.
Subject Matter: Evaluate if you truly need this much reach for your primary photography interests.
Sigma's E-mount Track Record
Sigma has earned a reputation for producing high-quality, often more affordable lenses for Sony E-mount. Their Art series primes are particularly well-regarded. The Sports line prioritises performance and ruggedness, making this 500mm a logical addition.
Conclusion
While we await final specifications and real-world reviews, the Sigma 500mm F/5.6 DG DN OS Sports promises serious potential for Sony photographers needing a powerful super-telephoto lens. If Sigma delivers on performance and price, it could be a compelling choice.