URBAN EXPRESSION BY THE URBAN CARTOGRAPHER

There Is Much To See Here

Street Art

COWTOWN STREET ART ON PRUSSIA STREET

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PHOTOGRAPHED 2 APRIL 2024 USING A CANON 1Ds MKIII

If a old Dubliner mentions Cowtown they are likely to be referring to the area around Manor Street, Manor Place, and surrounding roads in Stoneybatter on the north side of Dublin. Here’s a breakdown of its history and how it got the nickname “Cowtown”:

A moo-vellous bit of Dublin history: Stoneybatter’s Cowtown

Stoneybatter, a vibrant neighborhood on Dublin’s northside, has a fascinating past as a centre for the cattle trade. Nicknamed “Cowtown” due to the presence of a massive cattle market in the mid-19th century, the area bustled with activity and became intrinsically linked to its bovine business.

The Rise of Cowtown

Dublin Cattle Market: Established in the mid-1800s near Prussia Street (now the Grangegorman TU Dublin campus), the Dublin Cattle Market was a major economic driver. At its peak, it was one of the largest cattle markets in Europe.

A Hub for the Cattle Trade: Farmers, herders, dealers, and associated businesses flocked to Stoneybatter to be close to the market. This influx created a unique community centred around the cattle trade.

The Name “Cowtown”: The nickname likely arose from the constant presence of cattle on the streets. While some suggest it might have had a slightly derogatory connotation in the past, the name seems to have been adopted with pride by residents, reflecting their community’s identity.
Cowtown’s Legacy

Market Decline: The cattle market’s importance gradually diminished in the early 20th century due to the rise of railways and smaller regional markets. It eventually closed in the 1970s.

Transformation and Reminders: Stoneybatter has undergone significant change and gentrification, but reminders of its Cowtown past remain:

Informative plaques mark the former location of the cattle market.
Street Art: The mural I have shared (with the cow, sunglasses, and cowboy hat) adds a playful touch, referencing the area’s history.

While the Cowtown Cafe is no longer open, its name echoed the area’s history.

Exploring Further:

Bernard Neary’s “Dublin 7” provides a deeper exploration of the area’s local history.
The Come Here To Me! blog (https://comeheretome.com/about/) often features articles on Dublin’s history, including the cattle market.

THIS MURAL OF MASA KHADER IS ON A WALL AT CASTLEWOOD PLACE

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BY EMMALENE BLAKE

Finding information about this mural online proved challenging.

Masa Khader, along with her family, tragically lost her life in an Israeli airstrike on their home in Rafah, Gaza Strip on 21st October. The airstrike claimed the lives of Masa, her 4-year-old sister Lina, and their parents, Loay Khader and Samar al-Atrash.

Samia al-Atrash, Masa’s aunt and the woman seen cradling her lifeless body in the heart-wrenching news photo, reached out to an Irish artist named Emmalene Blake after seeing a mural inspired by that very image.

The mural, painted by Blake in Dublin, features the Palestinian flag as the child’s death shroud, and it has garnered widespread attention on social media. Samia al-Atrash, still alive and residing in Rafah, expressed her connection to the mural and the heartbreaking loss of her family members.

Emmalene Blake is a well-known Irish street artist, teacher, and activist based in Dublin. Here’s what you should know about her:

Artistic Style: Emmalene’s art often centres on social and political themes. She’s known for her large-scale murals that are striking, bold, and often feature iconic figures.

Her work frequently addresses issues like climate change, social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and representation of women and marginalised communities.

Some of her most famous murals include:
A portrait of George Floyd in Dublin, created in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests.
A depiction of Irish writer Sinéad O’Connor as a statement on mental health and Ireland’s treatment of women.
A mural of Kellie Harrington, celebrating the Irish Olympic boxing champion.
Murals celebrating frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alongside her art, Emmalene works as an art teacher and is a vocal activist. She frequently participates in workshops and talks, and uses her platform to advocate for causes she believes in.

STREET ART ON POOLBEG STREET

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27 MARCH 2024

I was unable to find any information relating to this mural which is actually on Townsend Street rather than Poolbeg Street.

Poolbeg Street was named after a small pool or inlet on the south side of the River Liffey. The name “Poolbeg” referred originally to a tidal pool located out into Dublin harbour and surrounded by sand bars. The names of places like Poolbeg, derived from the words ‘little pool’, date back all the way to medieval Ireland, with the earliest record of the placename dating from around 1488.

Poolbeg Street was established on reclaimed land between Townsend Street and the present-day south quays. This parcel of ground was leased to Luke Gardiner in 1741, and he began to develop houses and shops along this street. It’s home to various businesses and residences and has a rich history tied to the development of Dublin city.

TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE

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DUBLINBIKES DOCKING STATION 75 AND A MURAL BY HOLLY PEREIRA

Holly Pereira is a muralist & illustrator based in Dublin. Her hand-painted murals are colourful, fun and bold, and create bright and exuberant environments in which we are invited to play. Holly often gets inspiration from folk art and typography.

Other Well-Known Street Artists

Maser: Ireland’s most prominent street artist, his style is bold and geometric, often with strong social commentary. His works address themes of love, equality, and social change.

James Earley: Creates stunning large-scale photorealistic murals. His work frequently portrays iconic Irish figures, historical moments, and explores themes of Irish identity.

Aches: This artist brings vibrant energy many walls with a whimsical style. Expect playful characters, often animals, rendered in bold colours.

Subset: A Dublin-based collective producing dynamic murals infused with social, psychological, and political themes. Their work is often thought-provoking and encourages contemplation.

Best Locations for Street Art in Dublin

Temple Bar: The cultural centre of Dublin boasts a high concentration of artwork tucked along its cobbled streets, alleys, and on the sides of bars and shops.

The Liberties (Dublin 8): Immerse yourself in this historic area brimming with diverse and exciting street art.

Camden Street Area [Specifically Liberty Lane]: This bustling district offers a mix of large, commissioned murals and smaller gems waiting to be discovered.

Portobello (near the Grand Canal): Explore this trendy neighbourhood to find smaller-scale but equally impressive artworks.


Additional Tips

Keep Your Eyes Peeled: Dublin’s street art scene is always changing! Don’t limit yourself to these areas. Art can pop up in unexpected places.

Consider a Tour: Guided walking tours dedicated to street art provide a deeper understanding of the pieces, the artists, and the city’s relationship with this art form.
Check Out the Website: Dublin Walls (https://dublinwalls.com/) features maps and information on artists and their works.

ST PETER’S LANE

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I THOUGHT THAT I HAD MADE AN ERROR BY REFERRING TO IT AS CABRA PARK LANE IN THE PAST

I USED A SAMYANG 12mm F2.0 LENS

It’s a small lane connecting Cabra Park and St. Peter’s Road and it is situated in Phibsborough which is frequently described as a vibrant neighbourhood on Dublin’s Northside.

Previously known as Cabra Park Lane. The recent name change to St. Peter’s Lane is a reference to the nearby St. Peter’s Church, a prominent landmark on the North Circular Road. As a matter of interest there another location for street art on the Southside named Peters Place near Charlemont Tram Stop.

Was An Urban Art Hub

St. Peter’s Lane had gained a reputation as an open-air canvas for street artists and one could expect find vibrant murals, stencils, and other forms of street art adorning its walls, making it an interesting spot for photography enthusiasts. Back before the Covid-19 lockdowns the artwork was ever-changing, so you might find something new on every visit!

Ambiance

The combination of street art and older surrounding architecture once gave the lane a unique and somewhat bohemian atmosphere and as it was much less known than other similar locations it offered a more “local” experience.

How to Find It

If you’re exploring Phibsborough, St. Peter’s Lane is easy to find off St. Peter’s Road or along Cabra Park. Online maps will guide you precisely, and websites like Excellent Street Images (my site) feature extensive photography of the lane’s artwork.

Additional Notes

According to a not so current tourist guide “due to its growing popularity as an artistic spot, expect to encounter other people appreciating or photographing the artwork. However, Like any urban environment, be mindful of your surroundings”.

Today there were three elderly women who appeared lost and somewhat horrified by the condition of the complex of lanes and I was the only photographer.

WHAT IS STREET ART

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A GENERAL DISCUSSION

Street Art: A Global Tapestry of Urban Expression

Street art explodes across the globe, a vibrant and defiant form of expression that knows no borders. It transforms our public spaces into ever-evolving galleries, challenging perceptions and sparking conversations from Dublin to Delhi, São Paulo to Sydney.

The Diverse Forms of International Street Art

Stencils: This quick and impactful technique remains a favourite for its speed and potential for social critique, as seen in the work of globally celebrated artists like Banksy. Street art stencils address diverse themes from politics to pop culture.

Murals: Grand-scale murals add splashes of colour and thought-provoking messages to cityscapes. Artists like Brazil’s Eduardo Kobra create incredible pieces with hyper-realistic portraits, while others favour abstract or socially-conscious themes.

Paste-ups: From witty one-liners to large-scale portraits, paste-ups bring pre-made images to the streets. They provide a platform for emerging artists and offer a quick way to spread messages.

Stickers: A testament to DIY creativity, stickers carry slogans, humour, and artistic expression. They pop up everywhere, forming a diverse, miniature artwork ecosystem within cities.

Yarn Bombing: This joyful movement softens harsh urban landscapes with colourful knitted and crocheted creations. It’s playful yet powerful, a reminder that art can be found in unexpected materials.

Guerrilla Sculptures: Sculptors break free from traditional galleries, placing thought-provoking installations throughout public spaces. They range from small, cheeky interventions to towering, interactive pieces.

The Heart of Street Art

Beyond technique, street art’s power lies in its purpose:

Global Dialogue: Artists address universal issues like inequality, environmental concerns, or the struggle for freedom. They create a shared visual language that transcends borders.

Challenging Norms: Street art pushes boundaries, questioning authority and reclaiming public space. It gives a voice to the marginalised and amplifies community perspectives.

Unexpected Beauty: Sometimes it’s simply about celebrating beauty in overlooked places. Artists inject vibrancy and surprise into the everyday.
The Irish Street Art Scene

Ireland boasts its own dynamic street art movement:

Northern Ireland: Belfast’s Hit The North festival brings renowned international artists, while also fostering homegrown talent. Murals in both Belfast and Derry/Londonderry often reflect the region’s unique history and ongoing social conversations.

Ireland: Dublin, Cork, Limerick and other cities showcase works by artists like Maser, whose colourful, geometric pieces bring a sense of optimism and unity. Waterford Walls festival attracts global artists, turning the city into a stunning open-air gallery.


Constant Evolution

Street art, like the cities it inhabits, is forever changing. New artists emerge, techniques evolve, and technology adds new dimensions. This ephemeral art movement reflects the pulse of our times, demanding to be noticed, debated, and ultimately, experienced.

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