14 October 2024 Archives - URBAN EXPRESSION BY THE URBAN CARTOGRAPHER

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.