URBAN EXPRESSION BY THE URBAN CARTOGRAPHER

There Is Much To See Here

Paint-The-Box

CATS OF KELLS

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PAINT-A-BOX ART BY OLGA KUNICHENKO AND IRINA MUNINA

Stroll down Dublin’s Pearse Street and encounter a delightful surprise: “Cats of Kells,” a vibrant mural that playfully reimagines the iconic Book of Kells through the eyes of a cat. This whimsical artwork, created by recent transplants Olga Kunichenko and Irina Munina, pays homage to Ireland’s rich artistic heritage while infusing it with a modern, lighthearted touch.

Two school friends who recently made Ireland their home, Olga and Irina, each bring their unique perspectives to the piece. Olga, a graphic designer, lends her eye for detail and composition, while Irina, a researcher, ensures the artwork’s historical accuracy and cultural relevance. Together, they’ve created a purr-fectly charming addition to Dublin’s streetscape, showcasing their love for their new city and its artistic traditions.

HOMAGE TO THE PUPPET THEATRE

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PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART BY TRACEY MOCA REF-240983-1

According to the artist: “My name is Tracey Moca or HeArt Designs. I’m an artist from Dublin and a graduate of NCAD. I create murals and paintings with acrylic on wood including street art for Mad About Galway, Creative Ireland, 20×20 Women In Sport.”

Sadly, the Lambert Puppet Theatre no longer exists.

Here’s a brief overview of its history:

Founded in 1972 by Eugene Lambert and his family, it was Ireland’s only purpose-built puppet theatre.  
Hosted an international puppet festival annually and produced beloved children’s television series like “Wanderly Wagon.”  
Suffered an arson attack in 2015 causing significant damage, but it was rebuilt and reopened.  
Closed permanently in 2018.

Although the physical theatre is no longer there, the Lambert legacy lives on through the memories of generations of Irish children who were entertained and inspired by their puppet shows and TV programs.

NORMAL PEOPLE BY EVE FITZSIMONS

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PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART IN DUBLIN REF-240423-1

This is located at the LUAS tram stop on College Green and unfortunately there is no information available to me at present except that Eve Fitzsimons is the artist.

College Green, situated in the heart of Dublin, is a historic and vibrant public space that embodies the city’s rich heritage and bustling energy. This iconic plaza, triangular in shape, is bordered by several landmarks that define Dublin’s architectural and cultural landscape.  

On its northern side stands the imposing Bank of Ireland building, a testament to Dublin’s past as it once housed the Irish Parliament. To its east lies the prestigious Trinity College Dublin, Ireland’s oldest university, renowned for its beautiful campus and academic excellence. And along its southern edge, a series of elegant 19th-century buildings complete the plaza’s distinctive character.  

College Green is not merely a static space; it pulsates with the rhythm of Dublin life. It serves as a popular meeting point, a thoroughfare for locals and tourists alike, and a stage for various events and gatherings, from political rallies to cultural celebrations. The plaza’s central location, at the intersection of several major streets, including Dame Street, Grafton Street, and Westmoreland Street, further amplifies its significance as a vital hub within the city.  

In recent years, College Green has undergone revitalisation efforts aimed at enhancing its pedestrian-friendliness and accessibility. These projects have focused on creating a more welcoming and vibrant public space that prioritises the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, while also respecting its historical context.  

A visit to Dublin is incomplete without experiencing the charm and dynamism of College Green. Whether you’re admiring the architectural grandeur of its surrounding buildings, soaking in the lively atmosphere, or simply people-watching, this plaza offers a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of Dublin.

Today I uses a Zeiss Batis 85mm Lens so let’s take a comprehensive look at the Zeiss Batis 85mm lens and how it compares to the Sony 85mm GM, including the Sony’s notable autofocus noise issue for video.

Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8

Strengths:

Exceptional sharpness across the frame, even wide open at f/1.8
Compact and lightweight, comfortable for long shoots or travel
Fast and quiet autofocus, suitable for candid moments and video
Weather-sealed for protection against dust and moisture
Unique OLED display shows focus distance and depth of field
Considerations:

Maximum aperture of f/1.8 limits low-light performance and shallow depth of field compared to the Sony GM
Slight vignetting, correctable in post-processing
Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM

Strengths:

Wider maximum aperture of f/1.4 excels in low light and produces creamy bokeh
Outstanding image quality with exceptional sharpness, contrast, and colour
Beautiful bokeh from the 11-blade aperture
Fast and accurate autofocus for reliable subject tracking
Dust and moisture resistant for challenging conditions
Considerations:

Larger and heavier than the Batis, less portable for extended use
Higher price point
Noticeably loud autofocus motor, unsuitable for video recording with on-camera audio
Comparison

Image Quality: Both lenses produce stunning images. The Sony GM has an edge in bokeh and low-light performance due to its wider aperture.
Autofocus: Both have fast and accurate autofocus. The Batis might be slightly faster, but the Sony GM is known for its reliability. However, the Sony GM’s loud autofocus motor is a major drawback for video.
Size and Weight: The Batis is significantly smaller and lighter, a more portable option.
Price: The Batis is more affordable than the Sony GM.
Versatility: The Batis’s quiet autofocus makes it suitable for both stills and video, while the Sony GM’s loud motor limits its use for video.
Conclusion

The choice depends on your needs and budget.

The Zeiss Batis 85mm is an excellent all-around 85mm lens, offering portability, fast and quiet autofocus, and sharp images. It’s versatile for various genres, including portraits, events, and video.
The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM is a top-tier portrait lens with exceptional image quality and beautiful bokeh, ideal for professionals and enthusiasts who prioritise stills photography. However, its loud autofocus motor makes it unsuitable for video work with on-camera audio.
Consider your priorities and shooting style when deciding. If you need a versatile lens for stills and video, the Batis is a strong contender. If you focus primarily on stills and want the absolute best image quality, the Sony GM might be the choice, despite its limitations for video.

Remember, both lenses are capable of producing outstanding results. Choose the one that best fits your needs and shooting style.

‘Mother of all The Liberties – Imelda May’ by Urnique Steve. 

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MEATH STREET DUBLIN

Artist Biography:

Urnique / Steve O’Toole is a street stalking creative and spoken-word/poet. Completing his first Dublin Canvas ‘Welcome To His Head’ for his good & old friend, the legendary Irish Poet & Writer ‘Pat Ingoldsby’ on Vernon Ave. Clontarf in July 2023. Having received a fantastic public & arts reaction to same, Steve set about this year in the same frame of mind i.e. ‘To celebrate well known and living creative people, under-recognised for their contribution to Irish arts & culture’ (Whom in life have yet to receive a much well deserved ‘Blue Plaque’ accreditation). The Blue Plaque artwork on ‘Pat’s’ Dublin Canvas reads ‘Not Dead Yet’. 

Artwork Description: Renowned multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, poet, actor, community & social activist and a proud Dub. Imelda May is a household Irish name and another of Steve’s creative heros. Imelda has shared the stage with a who’s who of world music, yet she takes it all in her stride retaining at her very heart (and never forgets) she is a true Dubliner & Liberties Belle. Steve’s artwork also features Imelda wearing a hand painted t-shirt signature of her great friend Sinead O’Connor, captured by UK photographer Ceila Bartlett at the Cambridge Folk Festival in 2023. 

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/urnique.steve

THE FROG KING BY RAPHAEL SILVA -236767-1

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PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART AT ST LUKE’S AVENUE

Vini Bustamante, a Brazilian/Portuguese artist based in Dublin 8, created an artwork titled “Frog King.” This vibrant piece features frogs and exudes a magical and mystical quality. As an Art Director at BBDO Dublin, Vini is undoubtedly immersed in creativity and seeking inspiration. According to the information on the box the artist operates under the name Raphael Silva.

IN 1786 THE SERIAL KILLER BILLY IN THE BOWL WAS ARRESTED X-236741-1

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PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART

Billy in the Bowl, also known as the Stoneybatter Strangler, was a notorious figure in Dublin’s dark history of the late 1700s.

Who was Billy in the Bowl?

Born without legs, Billy Davis used a large, bowl-shaped cart to move around, hence his nickname.
He was known for his immense upper body strength, which he tragically used to overpower and strangle his victims.

His Crimes:

Billy targeted mostly women, particularly young servant girls and elderly ladies, in the Stoneybatter and Grangegorman areas of Dublin.

He would lure his victims by feigning distress and calling for help, then attack them when they approached.

Capture and Aftermath:

In 1786, Billy was caught after attempting to rob two women who fought back and alerted the authorities.

While he was never convicted of murder due to lack of evidence, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for robbery with violence.
The murders in the area ceased after his incarceration, strongly suggesting his guilt.

Legacy:

Billy in the Bowl remains a chilling figure in Dublin folklore, embodying the city’s dark past of poverty, crime, and violence.

His story is often retold as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers that lurked in the shadows of old Dublin.

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