HEADLESS URBAN EXPRESSION

There Is Much To See Here

MURAL ON YORK ROAD BY MARIANA DUARTE SANTOS

by

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

by

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.

THIS MURAL IS BY VERA BUGATTI AND IT IS ON DOMINIC STREET IN DROGHEDA

by

DRAWDA URBAN ART TRAIL

The Bridge of Peace, Drogheda’s second-furthest-west crossing, was constructed in the 1970s as part of an inner bypass. For years, its undercroft was a pilgrimage site for me, capturing the vibrant pulse of street art that bloomed annually each August. Locals proudly proclaimed it the world’s longest-running graffiti art event, a canvas for renowned international artists since 1993.

My yearly visits abruptly ceased in 2012, the undercroft’s walls disappointingly bare. A return in 2023 brought further dismay; the once-vibrant space lay silent. Yet, as I wandered Drogheda’s streets, a delightful surprise awaited. Murals, rivalling Waterford’s finest, adorned the town, breathing new artistic life into its fabric.

DRAWDA, a collaborative project between Love Drogheda BIDS, Droichead Arts Centre, and Louth County Council, is the force behind this urban renaissance. Curated by Dee Walsh and mythologist Anthony Murphy, the trail recently welcomed its seventh addition: Vera Bugatti’s captivating mural on Dominick Street.

The mural portrays the Cailleach, a powerful figure in Irish mythology, the divine sorceress and mother goddess intertwined with the creation of the land and ancient monuments. Bugatti, an Italian artist with a background in Conservation of Cultural Heritage, seamlessly blends her artistic vision with historical and iconological research.

Her impressive portfolio includes features in numerous street art publications and international projects across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East. Bugatti views urban art as an extension of her artistic expression, reflecting on environmental concerns, human disturbances, and social issues.

ETAIN IS A MURAL BY NINA VALKHOFF

by

AT MEAT MARKET LANE IN DROGHEDA

As the laneway is narrow it was difficult to photograph this large mural in Drogheda when I visited to town a few days ago.

While the people of Drogheda may not have the best mural in the world they do have the best one in Ireland!
The results are in for Street Art Cities best of 2022 global competition and Muralist Nina Valkhoff’s “Étaín” mural has placed 38th out of 100 of the Best Murals across the globe! However, there is still cause for celebration as the mural has ranked highest out of the four Irish nominations

Street Art Cities is the largest street art community in the world.

Forgotten buildings, laneways and entire urban areas can lend themselves to colour and vibrant storytelling when murals are installed and used to ignite old stories, as is the case with Étaín and the five other mythological murals that make up the DRAWDA Urban Art Project.

History Of Meat Market Lane

Origin of the Name: As the name suggests, Meat Market Lane was once the central location for Drogheda’s meat market. It housed wooden sheds or “shambles” where butchers sold their wares.
18th Century Relocation: In 1778, a decision was made to move the meat vendors from open stalls on West Street to a more organised space along the north side of Dyer Street. This led to the establishment of the meat market in what is now known as Meat Market Lane.

Transition and Modern Times: Over time, the meat market’s function diminished, and the lane evolved into a passage connecting West Street and Dyer Street. In recent years, it has seen revitalisation efforts, including the addition of the “Étaín” mural as part of the DRAWDA Urban Art Project. It now houses some businesses, including a restaurant.
 
Meat Market Lane runs parallel to West Street, one of Drogheda’s main thoroughfares.  
It connects West Street to Dyer Street, providing a convenient pedestrian walkway between the two.
It is located close to Drogheda Town Centre, a popular shopping destination.  

Significance

Meat Market Lane serves as a reminder of Drogheda’s rich commercial history, reflecting the town’s evolution over centuries.
The presence of the “Étaín” mural and its connection to the DRAWDA Urban Art Trail highlight the lane’s growing importance in Drogheda’s cultural scene.

Nina’s mural is part of the DRAWDA multidisciplinary public arts programme, launched in Drogheda, Co. Louth between November 2021, and April 2022, culminating in an Urban Art Trail throughout Drogheda that focuses on key figures and moments from our mythological past.

Nina Valkhoff is a talented muralist and painter based in Rotterdam, Netherlands. She’s been creating large-scale murals for over two decades and is known for her distinctive style, often featuring endangered species surrounded by vibrant flora.  

Some notable aspects of her work include:

Focus on nature: Her murals frequently depict animals and plants, often highlighting endangered species to raise awareness about conservation.  
Large-scale projects: She specialises in large-scale murals that transform urban landscapes, adding colour and visual interest to buildings and walls.  
Vibrant colour palette: Her work is characterised by a bold use of colour, creating eye-catching and dynamic compositions.
International recognition: She has created murals in various countries and her work has been featured in the Street Art Cities’ “Best of 2022” global competition.  
In addition to the “Étaín” mural in Drogheda, some of her other notable works include murals for the STRAAT Museum in Amsterdam and collaborations with institutions like the Mauritshuis museum.  

If you’d like to learn more about Nina Valkhoff and her art, you can visit her website or search for her work on social media platforms.

MURALS IN THE PARK BY KIRSTY MAHER

by

CARLOW TOWN PARK AND PLAYGROUND

Carlow Town Park Takes Flight: Kirstie Maher’s Bird Murals Bring Nature’s Beauty to Life

Carlow Town Park is now home to a vibrant series of bird murals, thanks to the vision of Ciaran Brennan who commissioned local artist Kirstie Maher to bring nature’s beauty to the park.

Maher, a Carlow native known for her captivating public art, has a knack for creating murals that resonate with the community. Her recent piece, “Progression Towards Unity,” at The Exchange in Carlow Town, beautifully portrays themes of community and unity through the symbolism of fireflies.

This new series in Carlow Town Park is another testament to Maher’s talent and her commitment to enriching her hometown’s cultural landscape. Through her vivid depictions of birds, she hopes to inspire, spark conversations, and bring a touch of joy to park visitors.

STREET ART ON CENTAUR STREET IN CARLOW

by

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.

You will find links to buy products from Amazon, Google and other partners. If you click on these links, you’ll find that the URL includes a small extra piece of text which identifies that the click came from my websites. This text is an affiliate code, and it means that I get a small payment if you choose to buy that product. These affiliate links help pay the costs of producing my websites and ensure that the content is free to you.