Dublin

THE MURALS BY CLAIRE PROUVOST AT TARA STREET DART STATION 8 DECEMBER 2024

December 10, 2024 by infomatique

THIS TIME I USED AN iPHONE 12 PRO MAX

I first photographed these murals a few weeks ago, around Halloween, using an Apple iPhone XR. However, the quality wasn’t great. Today, while waiting for a train, I took another opportunity to capture them with my iPhone 12 Pro Max and the Halide app. I recently (15 November 2024) updated to iOS 18.2 Beta 3, but unfortunately, the new Apple Intelligence features will not be supported on my current iPhones so I plan to order the Mac Mini M4 Pro before Christmas to experiment with these new features on a compatible device.

In the USA, Apple Intelligence has been partially implemented since the release of iOS 18.1 on 28 October 2024. Currently, it is limited to the iPhone 16 models and the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, and only functions with US English. I understand that some features will become available in Britain and Ireland later this month, but not in the rest of the EU. It’s interesting that Ireland, an EU member state, will have access to Apple Intelligence earlier than other EU countries (where it is delayed until April). This suggests that the rollout may be influenced by language considerations.

Here are some of the key features Apple has implemented in Photos with Apple Intelligence:

Advanced search: You can search for photos and videos using natural language, like “Maya skateboarding in a tie-dye shirt” or “Sadie cartwheeling on the grass”. Apple Intelligence understands the content of your images and can find what you’re looking for even if you haven’t used specific keywords to tag them.
Automatic movie creation: The Memories feature can now create movies based on your descriptions. For example, you could type “a movie about our family vacation to the beach” and Apple Intelligence will select the best photos and videos, craft a storyline with chapters, and even suggest music from Apple Music to match.
Clean Up tool: This tool can identify and remove distracting objects in the background of a photo without altering the subject.
Apple hasn’t announced a specific timeline for expanding Apple Intelligence to other iPhone models or languages. However, it is likely that they will continue to roll out these features to more users in future software updates. Keep an eye on Apple’s official website and press releases for the latest news and announcements about Apple Intelligence.

In June 2023, to mark Pride Month, Irish Rail unveiled a vibrant new mural by Dublin-based French artist Claire Prouvost. The mural spans 65 square metres of the arches on the southbound platform of Tara Street Station.

About the Mural:

Theme: The artwork celebrates diversity, love, and everyday life, with a focus on the LGBTQIA+ community.
Style: Prouvost’s style is inspired by Cubism, with bold colours, geometric shapes, and a sense of movement. The mural features interconnected figures and symbols representing the diversity of people who pass through the station.
Interactive Elements: QR codes are installed near the mural, allowing viewers to learn more about the artist, the project, and the themes it explores.
About the Artist:

Claire Prouvost is a French visual artist who has made Dublin her home. She is known for her large-scale murals and public art installations. Her work often explores themes of human connection, social inclusion, and the vibrancy of urban life. Prouvost has collaborated with brands like Gucci, Lavazza, Guinness, and Brown Thomas.

About Tara Street Station:

Tara Street Station is a busy railway station in Dublin city centre. It serves as a major transportation hub for commuters and visitors, connecting to various destinations across Ireland. The station’s location in the heart of the city makes it a prominent public space, and the addition of Prouvost’s mural enhances its visual appeal and contributes to Dublin’s vibrant arts scene.

MURALS BY CLAIRE PROUVOST AT TARA STREET DART STATION

November 16, 2024 by infomatique

HALLOWEEN 2024

This was my first opportunity to photograph these murals on the southbound platform at Tara Street DART station but on my return home I could not access the photographs on my iPhone as all but one had disappeared. Yesterday [15 November 2024] after updating to iOS 18.2 Beta 3 I got a message that a number of photographs could be recovered and here they are.

In June 2023, to mark Pride Month, Irish Rail unveiled a vibrant new mural by Dublin-based French artist Claire Prouvost. The mural spans 65 square meters of the arches on the southbound platform of the station.

About the Mural:

Theme: The artwork celebrates diversity, love, and everyday life, with a focus on the LGBTQIA+ community.

Style: Prouvost’s style is inspired by Cubism, with bold colours, geometric shapes, and a sense of movement. The mural features interconnected figures and symbols representing the diversity of people who pass through the station.

Interactive Elements: QR codes are installed near the mural, allowing viewers to learn more about the artist, the project, and the themes it explores.

About the Artist:

About Tara Street Station:

As of right now, the most recent beta version of Apple iOS is iOS 18.2 beta 3. This was released to developers on November 8th, 2024, and shortly after to public beta testers. It’s possible that a newer beta version (iOS 18.2 beta 4) might be released soon, as Apple seems to be moving quickly with the iOS 18.2 updates.

Apple initially stated that Apple Intelligence features would not be available in the EU until April 2025. This delay was attributed to compliance issues with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to regulate Big Tech companies and promote competition. However, Apple later clarified that these features would be available in Ireland and the UK by December 2024. This suggests that Apple has found a way to address the DMA concerns for these specific markets, possibly due to their close ties with the US and the English language.

Possible reasons for Ireland’s inclusion in the earlier release:

English Language: Apple Intelligence relies heavily on language processing, and English is one of the primary languages it supports. This might make it easier for Apple to deploy these features in English-speaking countries like Ireland and the UK.

Data Privacy Regulations: While Ireland is an EU member, it might have slightly different data privacy regulations or interpretations compared to other EU countries. This could potentially facilitate an earlier rollout of Apple Intelligence.

Economic and Political Considerations: Ireland has a strong economic relationship with the US, and Apple has a significant presence in the country. These factors might have influenced Apple’s decision to prioritise Ireland in the rollout.

It’s important to note:

This is still a developing situation, and Apple’s plans could change.
The exact reasons for Ireland’s inclusion in the earlier release timeline haven’t been officially confirmed by Apple.
It remains to be seen how the DMA will impact the full functionality of Apple Intelligence in Ireland and other EU countries in the long term.

I will keep an eye on any further updates or announcements from Apple regarding the rollout of Apple Intelligence in Ireland and the EU. In the meantime, it’s good news for Irish users that they might get to experience these new features sooner than initially expected!

THE PEOPLES FLOWER GARDEN – THIS IS WITHIN PHOENIX PARK

November 2, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED OCTOBER 2024 BY INFOMATIQUE

Phoenix Park: Dublin’s Urban Oasis

Phoenix Park is a sprawling urban park in Dublin, Ireland, boasting 707 hectares (1,750 acres) of recreational space. It’s one of the largest enclosed recreational spaces within any European capital city. Established in 1662, the park has a rich history and offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors.

Key Features of Phoenix Park:

Vast green spaces: The park is known for its expansive grasslands and tree-lined avenues, perfect for leisurely strolls, picnics, or simply relaxing amidst nature.
Home to wildlife: A herd of wild fallow deer has roamed the park since the 17th century, adding to its unique charm.
Historical landmarks: The park houses significant landmarks, including Áras an Uachtaráin (the official residence of the President of Ireland), Dublin Zoo, and the Wellington Monument.
Recreational facilities: Visitors can enjoy various activities, such as cycling, playing sports, or exploring the various gardens and walking trails.

The People’s Flower Garden: A Victorian Oasis within the Park

Nestled within Phoenix Park, the People’s Flower Garden is a beautifully manicured Victorian garden spanning 9 hectares. Originally known as the Promenade Grounds, it was opened in the mid-19th century and offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Highlights of the People’s Flower Garden:

Victorian bedding schemes: The garden showcases stunning floral displays, reflecting the classic Victorian style of horticulture.
Ornamental lake: A large lake with various waterfowl adds to the serene atmosphere of the garden.
Children’s playground: A dedicated play area provides entertainment for younger visitors.
Picnic areas: Ample picnic spots allow visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
The People’s Flower Garden is a true gem within Phoenix Park, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a family outing, or a glimpse into Victorian horticulture, the People’s Flower Garden is a must-visit destination in Dublin.

SAFE HOME OR SLAN ABHAILE IF YOU ARE SPEAKING IRISH

October 26, 2024 by infomatique

PAINT-A-BOX AT THE OVAL IN PALMERSTOWN

Artist: Andrew McCarthy
Artwork Title: ‘Safe Home’
Location: ‘The Oval’, Palmerstown, Dublin 14
Year: 2018
Council: South Dublin County Council

McCarthy aimed to create a piece deeply connected to the local area. As a former pupil of a nearby primary school, his memories of walking home in his old snorkel jacket and carrying a heavy schoolbag inspired him. The simplicity of those days comes through in the artwork. Now an adult living in the area, McCarthy also observes that the track can become heavily congested as it sits before the final set of lights leading to the N4 motorway. This element is also captured in the work.

The boy depicted in the piece walks in the direction of the track, and the ‘Slain Abhaile’ symbolises a wish for a safe journey home for everyone.

Biography:
Andrew McCarthy works as a Graphic Designer for Freeney’s Graphics. His specialisation lies in vehicle and wall graphics, a profession he greatly enjoys. Many of his designs can be seen on vehicles throughout Dublin. With a lifelong passion for drawing and painting, McCarthy is presently working on a collection of original pieces. He anticipates launching his own website by the end of the summer.

The Oval at Palmerstown is a crèche and Montessori school located at 2 Palmerstown Avenue, Dublin 20. It is committed to the best interests of children, respecting their rights, needs, and interests.

The Oval Crèche and Montessori School offers a variety of programs including a Toddler Room, Pre-Montessori, Montessori, and After-School programs. They also participate in the ECCE Government Preschool Scheme, which applies to children aged between 3 years 2 months and 4 years 6 months on 1st September in any given year.

The school’s ethos is centred around happy children, friendly caring staff, happy parents, and positive interactions. They aim to support the learning and development of each individual child by providing an integrated, balanced, broad, and stimulating curriculum.

The Oval Crèche and Montessori School is based in Palmerstown, Dublin, and is easily accessible for local residents. It provides a safe, secure, and stimulating environment that embraces all children and values their race, gender, age, disability, culture, class, and religion.

A SPORTING CHANCE BY AIDAN BUTLER

October 24, 2024 by infomatique

PAINT-A-BOX AT MARINO CASINO

This vibrant artwork by Dublin artist Aidan Butler adorns a Traffic Box near Marino Casino, drawing inspiration from the rich sporting and gaming heritage of the surrounding area. Butler cleverly incorporates motifs associated with Gaelic games (GAA) from nearby St. Vincent’s and Parnell Park, the historic Marino Casino, and Clontarf Golf Club. His design features a dynamic scrolling pattern with repeated colours and shapes, perfectly complementing the unique structure of the Traffic Box. A silhouette of the Dublin city skyline and the elegant Casino itself are also woven into the composition.

It’s important to note: While the artwork references gaming motifs, the Marino Casino was never used as a gambling establishment.

About the Artist:

Aidan Butler is a self-taught professional artist who has lived and worked in Dublin 9 for many years. His impressive portfolio includes state commissions, and his work is held in numerous corporate and private collections. Butler is also a skilled designer, creating posters, book covers, and logos.

The Marino Casino:

Often mistaken for a folly, the Casino at Marino is a delightful 18th-century summer house nestled within the grounds of Marino House in Dublin, Ireland. Designed by renowned Scottish architect William Chambers for James Caulfeild, 1st Earl of Charlemont, this exquisite building is a prime example of Neo-Classical architecture. Construction began in the late 1750s and was completed around 1775. Interestingly, despite his pride in the design, Chambers was never able to visit the finished Casino due to his commitments in England.

The name “Casino” derives from the Italian word “Casa,” meaning “house,” and its diminutive form signifies “little house.” It’s crucial to understand that this term predates the modern association with gambling. Lord Charlemont, captivated by Italian culture after his nine-year Grand Tour, chose the name for this charming addition to his estate, which he had named after the town of Marino in Lazio, Italy.

WHAT A HOOT PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART BY ALAN MAC ARTHUR

October 24, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED 22 OCTOBER 2024

This striking paint-a-box mural, located on Malahide Road near Griffith Avenue, features a captivating long-eared owl, a native Irish species. Artist Alan McArthur cleverly uses geometric patterns to evoke the owl’s feathers, capturing the essence of its silent nocturnal flight.

A Dublin-based graphic designer, McArthur honed his distinctive geometric style through his work as deputy creative director at Ashville Media and various freelance projects. He graduated from the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in 2004 with a degree in Visual Communications.