HEADLESS URBAN EXPRESSION

BY THE URBAN CARTOGRAPHER

Sony A7RIV

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.

MURAL ON YORK ROAD BY MARIANA DUARTE SANTOS

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DUN LAOGHAIRE REF-240656-1

There is a mural on York Road in Dún Laoghaire by Mariana Duarte Santos. This mural was created as part of the Dún Laoghaire Anseo project, which aims to enhance the town’s public spaces with art.

While I don’t have specific details about the imagery or themes depicted in the mural, I can tell you a bit about Mariana Duarte Santos’ artistic style. She often draws inspiration from old photographs and films, creating a sense of nostalgia and reanimating forgotten images. Her work often connects the history of a place with the present through the medium of street art.  

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.

STREET ART ON CENTAUR STREET IN CARLOW

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AN UNUSUAL NAME FOR A STREET IN IRELAND

Centaur Street in Carlow: A Curious Name with a Storied Past, Divided by Haymarket

Centaur Street, nestled in the heart of Carlow town, is a thoroughfare that piques curiosity with its unusual name and distinctive layout. The street is divided into two sections by the triangular Haymarket, a central open space that adds a unique character to the area.

While the exact origin of the street’s name remains shrouded in some mystery, local lore and historical records offer tantalising clues. One prevailing theory links the street’s name to the Browne family, prominent landowners in Carlow during the 18th century. Their coat of arms featured a centaur, a mythical creature combining the upper body of a human with the lower body of a horse. It is believed that the street, once part of the Browne estate, was named in honour of this heraldic symbol.

Another intriguing possibility stems from the ancient Greek myth of the centaurs, who were renowned for their wild and untamed nature. Some speculate that the street’s name might allude to the area’s lively atmosphere or perhaps to its location near the River Barrow, which could have been perceived as a somewhat untamed natural force in earlier times.

Regardless of its precise origin, the name Centaur Street has endured for centuries, adding a touch of mystique to this historic Carlow thoroughfare. Today, it is home to a mix of businesses and residences, each contributing to the town’s vibrant tapestry. Haymarket, with its central location, serves as a gathering place and a visual marker dividing the street into two distinct sections.

As you stroll along Centaur Street, take a moment to ponder its enigmatic name and the stories it might hold. Whether it echoes the legacy of a noble family or whispers of ancient myths, it serves as a reminder of Carlow’s rich history and the enduring power of names to capture our imagination.

SWEET AS SUGAR STRONG AS STONE

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OLD STONES MURAL IN CARLOW – SEANCLOCHA CHEATHARLACH

On College Street, across from the Cathedral, there is a building Seanclocha Cheatharlach, on which is a mural named the Old Stones Mural. To the best of my knowledge this featured in the 2021 Carlow Fringe Arts Festival.

“Seanclocha Cheatharlach” is the Irish phrase for “The Old Stones of Carlow.” It refers to the collection of ancient megalithic monuments and other historic stone structures found throughout County Carlow.

One prominent example related to this phrase is the Sean Clocha Cheatharlach/The Old Stones of Carlow Mural located in Carlow town. This mural celebrates the rich prehistoric heritage of the region by depicting some of its most iconic ancient sites, such as the Brownshill Dolmen and other megalithic tombs.

So, while “Seanclocha Cheatharlach” literally translates to “The Old Stones of Carlow,” it encompasses both the actual ancient monuments themselves and the cultural appreciation and recognition of these significant historical landmarks, as exemplified by the mural.

THE OLD STONES OF CARLOW

Remember when the air was sweet
From the Tavern to the Weir
With the smell of sugar beet
Each September of the year.

Sowed the seed – Siol Sa Chre
Ploughed the furrow – Raon Treabhtha
On our land – In Ar OTalamh
Was golden grain – Arbhair Oir
Through the years the Stoney Street of Carlow
Stand against the wind and rain
From the Slaney River to the Barrow
These old Carlow Stones will remain

Yellow are the primroses
Green the leaf on the tree
Red were the hearts of our heroes
Who gave their lives for liberty.

As already mentioned the “Old Stones of Carlow” refers to the numerous ancient megalithic monuments and other historic stone structures scattered throughout County Carlow. These remnants of Ireland’s prehistoric past offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the people who inhabited this land thousands of years ago.

Some of the most notable “Old Stones” include:

Brownshill Dolmen: This massive portal tomb, also known as the Kernanstown Cromlech, features one of the largest capstones in Europe, estimated to weigh over 100 tons.
 
Cloch-an-Phoill (The Stone of the Hole): A large granite pillar with a distinctive hole, believed to have been used for ritual purposes.  

The Nine Stones: A mysterious stone circle near the village of Ballon, shrouded in local folklore and legends.  

High Crosses: Carlow boasts several well-preserved high crosses, intricately carved stone monuments dating back to the early Christian period.

These “Old Stones” serve as tangible reminders of Carlow’s rich and layered history, offering a unique connection to the distant past. They continue to inspire awe and wonder, attracting visitors from around the world who seek to explore the mysteries and secrets they hold.

The Carlow Fringe Arts Festival is a vibrant celebration of creativity and culture, showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions. This annual festival, held in the heart of Carlow, Ireland, transforms the town into a hub of artistic energy, attracting both local and international visitors.

The festival’s programme is a delightful mix of visual arts, music, theatre, literature, and film, offering something to captivate every artistic taste. Visitors can immerse themselves in thought-provoking exhibitions, enjoy soul-stirring musical performances, and experience the magic of live theatre. The festival also provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents, fostering a sense of community and artistic growth.

Beyond the performances and exhibitions, the Carlow Fringe Arts Festival creates a unique atmosphere of shared artistic experiences. The streets come alive with impromptu performances, workshops, and interactive installations, inviting everyone to participate and engage with the arts. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply curious to explore new creative horizons, the Carlow Fringe Arts Festival promises an unforgettable experience.

‘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

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