HEADLESS URBAN EXPRESSION

There Is Much To See Here

Fegan's 1924 Cafe

STREET ARTISTS IN ACTION AT CHANCERY STREET 16 JULY

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PHOTOGRAPHED USING A SONY HX90V CAMERA

The vibrant murals adorning Chancery Street near the former Fegan’s 1924 Cafe have long been a dynamic and ever-changing display of artistic expression. While once a haven for spontaneous and often subversive street art, the recent shift towards a more organised and commercial approach has sparked debate among artists and enthusiasts alike.

Observations of a team, supervisor, and van at work on a new mural confirm that the line between street art and commercial art has blurred in this particular location. What was once the domain of individual artists expressing their creativity now involves a coordinated effort, suggesting a commissioned piece rather than spontaneous creation.

This transformation reflects a broader trend in the street art world. As its popularity has grown, so too has its appeal to businesses and organisations seeking to leverage its visual impact and cultural cachet. This has led to an increase in commissioned murals, often executed by teams of artists and funded by corporate sponsors.

While some lament the loss of the raw, unfiltered spirit of traditional street art, others see this evolution as a natural progression. It provides artists with paid opportunities and exposure, while businesses benefit from the aesthetic and cultural value that street art brings to their spaces.

The case of Chancery Street highlights the complexities of this shift. While the commercialisation of street art may offer financial stability and wider recognition for artists, it also raises questions about authenticity, artistic integrity, and the potential for co-option by the establishment.

Whether this trend is a positive development or a sign of “selling out” remains a matter of debate. However, the continued evolution of street art, as exemplified by Chancery Street, reflects its enduring relevance and adaptability in a constantly changing cultural landscape.

Ultimately, the value of street art lies in its ability to spark conversations, challenge norms, and enrich urban environments. Whether created spontaneously by individuals or commissioned by organisations, it is a testament to the power of art to transform and inspire.

THIS MURAL IS PROMOTING EYES GUTS THROAT BONES A BOOK BY MOIRA FOWLEY

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CHANCERY STREET BESIDE FEGAN’S 1924 CAFE

According to Google Maps Fegan’s Cafe is currently closed which is a pity.

Moïra Fowley lives in Dublin with her girlfriend and her two daughters. Half French and half Irish, she is the author of four critically acclaimed YA novels. Eyes Guts Throat Bones is her first book for adults.

What will the end of the world look like?
Will it be an old man slowly turned to gold, flowers raining from the sky, or a hole cut through the wire fencing that keeps the monsters out?
Is it someone you love wearing your face, or a good old fashioned inter-dimensional summoning?
Does it sound like a howl outside the window, or does it look like coming home?
This startling and irresistibly witty collection from the phenomenally talented Moïra Fowley is an exploration of all our darkest impulses and deepest fears.

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