HEADLESS URBAN EXPRESSION

There Is Much To See Here

Asbestos

DON’T REMOVE MURAL BY ASBESTOS

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VIDEO RECORDED 2 JUNE 2024 BY INFOMATIQUE

VISIT THE JUNE 2024 PHOTO GALLERY

The “Do Not Remove/Não Remova” mural on Ormond Quay in Dublin and the “What is Home?” mural in Cork are both powerful examples of the work of renowned Dublin street artist Asbestos.

Do Not Remove/Não Remova:

This mural, unveiled in 2022, is a collaboration between Asbestos and Brazilian artist Neto Vettorello. Celebrating the bicentennial of Brazilian independence and the diversity of Dublin city, the mural blends vibrant colors, geometric patterns, and imagery reflecting both cultures. The title, inspired by an inscription found on the boarded-up building previously occupying the site, adds a layer of historical context and intrigue.

What is Home?:

This large-scale mural in Cork directly addresses the pressing issue of the housing crisis in Ireland. Featuring a young boy holding a cardboard sign with the question “What is Home?”, it highlights the plight of those facing homelessness and housing insecurity. The stark imagery and simple yet impactful message make it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant piece of street art.

Asbestos:

Asbestos is a well-known and respected figure in the Dublin street art scene. Having emerged in the early 2000s, his work is characterized by a unique blend of social commentary, cultural references, and technical skill. He initially gained recognition for his iconic “Lost” posters and stickers, which became a ubiquitous feature of the city’s urban landscape. Over the years, Asbestos has expanded his repertoire to include mixed-media portraiture, large-scale murals, and installations, often addressing themes of identity, memory, and urban life.

Both the “Do Not Remove/Não Remova” and “What is Home?” murals showcase Asbestos’ ability to use his art to spark conversations and raise awareness about important social and cultural issues. They stand as testaments to the power of street art to transform public spaces into vibrant expressions of shared heritage and social commentary.

LOST CAT COULD BE BY ASBESTOS

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LOCATED ON ORMOND QUAY

Asbestos: From ‘Lost’ Posters to Urban Iconography

Asbestos, the Dublin-based street artist, has captured the city’s imagination and beyond for nearly two decades. His journey reveals a fascinating evolution, a deepening exploration of themes like identity, memory, and the social fabric of urban life.

Early Days and the Power of the “Lost”

Asbestos first emerged in the early 2000s with his iconic “Lost” poster and sticker series. These stark, text-based designs featured descriptions of seemingly mundane lost objects: a single key, a glove, a crumpled photograph. They were deliberately enigmatic, inviting passersby to consider the stories behind these lost fragments and the hidden narratives that exist within our everyday surroundings.

Beyond their visual impact, the “Lost” series created a sense of participation. People who found a poster or sticker often reached out to the artist, becoming collaborators in a city-wide performance. This interactive element highlighted Asbestos’s ability to transform the urban environment into a shared creative space.

Evolving Themes: Identity and Social Commentary

Asbestos’s work gradually broadened to include mixed-media portraiture. Often featuring masked figures, these portraits explored the concept of identity – the masks symbolising both concealment and an exploration of multiple selves. The artist’s personal narrative is also intertwined here, referencing the car bomb that went off near his mother before his birth. The portraits became reflections on chance, survival, and the fragility of existence.

In recent years, Asbestos has embraced larger-scale murals. These pieces often address social and political issues with a potent visual language. His iconic “What is Home?” mural in Cork, Ireland directly challenged the country’s housing crisis, demonstrating his use of street art as a tool for social commentary.

The “Lost” Series: Transformation and Legacy

While the “Lost” series remains foundational to Asbestos’s legacy, it has undergone a metamorphosis. The artist has begun incorporating found objects into his installations, adding a tangible layer to the concept of loss and discovery. He also now sometimes reveals the “finders” of the original lost items within his artwork, turning the ephemeral interactions of the early days into lasting narratives woven into the city’s visual history.

A Pioneering Force

Asbestos’s journey has been marked by a restless experimentation and a commitment to engaging with vital social issues. He has helped legitimise street art as a powerful medium for introspection and social critique. While his identity remains shrouded in the mystique so essential to the street art ethos, his work speaks volumes, challenging and inspiring viewers in equal measure.

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