HEADLESS URBAN EXPRESSION

There Is Much To See Here

Griffith Avenue

WHAT A HOOT PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART BY ALAN MAC ARTHUR

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PHOTOGRAPHED 22 OCTOBER 2024

This striking paint-a-box mural, located on Malahide Road near Griffith Avenue, features a captivating long-eared owl, a native Irish species. Artist Alan McArthur cleverly uses geometric patterns to evoke the owl’s feathers, capturing the essence of its silent nocturnal flight.

A Dublin-based graphic designer, McArthur honed his distinctive geometric style through his work as deputy creative director at Ashville Media and various freelance projects. He graduated from the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in 2004 with a degree in Visual Communications.

AN EXAMPLE OF PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART BY TRACEY DALTON

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GRIFFITH AVENUE 14 OCTOBER 2024

In September 2023, I returned to capture Tracey Dalton’s vibrant “Paint-A-Box” street art on Griffith Avenue, this time with a different approach. My previous attempt, using a Sony FX30, was hampered by its electronic shutter. While I appreciate the FX30’s discreetness (especially compared to my attention-grabbing Sony A7RIV with grip), the slightest movement within the frame rendered images unusable.

Determined to do justice to the artwork, I opted for my A7RIV with the Sigma 24-105mm F4 lens. This combination, while bulkier, delivers exceptional image quality. However, the trade-off was the inevitable curious glances from passers-by.

Dalton’s artwork beautifully encapsulates the spirit of Griffith Avenue, renowned for being one of the longest tree-lined avenues in Europe. Stretching through the neighbourhoods of Drumcondra and Marino, the avenue’s canopy transforms with the seasons, offering a picturesque backdrop for leisurely strolls. In autumn, Dublin’s Griffith Avenue is particularly enchanting, with leaves turning shades of gold, russet, and crimson, creating a captivating spectacle of colour.

Tracey Dalton, a design lecturer and researcher at the School of Creative Arts, TU Dublin, brings her extensive experience in interior design to her street art. With a career spanning 25 years, her artistic flair and keen eye for detail are evident in this striking piece.

ART OF THE COMMUNITY BY FEARGHAL SCANLON

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PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART ON GRIFFITH AVENUE

Fearghal Scanlon’s “Paint-A-Box” street art on Griffith Avenue in Dublin offers a fascinating glimpse into the intertwined nature of local history, sport, and community pride. Let’s delve deeper into the elements that make this artwork so compelling.

The Artwork:

The mosaic, with its clever use of double perspective, presents two prominent figures from different eras, linked by their connection to the area and their ambitious dreams. Arthur Griffith, a founding father of the Irish Free State, gazes towards a young Na Fianna footballer, symbolising the past inspiring the future. This juxtaposition highlights the enduring spirit of the community and its aspirations.

The Artist:

Fearghal Scanlon, a Glasnevin native and resident of Griffith Avenue, embodies the very essence of this artwork. His deep roots in the community and active involvement with Na Fianna GAA Club make him uniquely positioned to capture the spirit of the area. His passion for painting, pursued in his leisure time, has resulted in this vibrant tribute to his locality.

Arthur Griffith:

Arthur Griffith (1871-1922) was a prominent Irish nationalist, writer, and politician. He founded Sinn Féin in 1905 and played a pivotal role in the Irish struggle for independence. He served as President of Dáil Éireann from January to August 1922. His legacy is etched in Irish history, and his inclusion in the artwork speaks to his enduring influence.

Griffith Avenue:

Named in honour of Arthur Griffith, Griffith Avenue is a prominent residential road in north Dublin, known for its elegant Edwardian and Victorian houses. It stretches from Drumcondra to Glasnevin, traversing a historically significant part of the city. The avenue itself is a testament to Griffith’s contribution to Ireland, and its selection as the canvas for this artwork further amplifies the connection.

Na Fianna GAA Club:

Na Fianna CLG is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in Glasnevin. Established in 1955, it has grown into one of the largest and most successful GAA clubs in Dublin, fostering a strong sense of community through Gaelic games. The depiction of a young Na Fianna footballer in the artwork underscores the club’s importance as a focal point for local pride and aspiration.

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