HEADLESS URBAN EXPRESSION

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Gaelic games

A SPORTING CHANCE BY AIDAN BUTLER

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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.

ART OF THE COMMUNITY BY FEARGHAL SCANLON

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PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART ON GRIFFITH AVENUE

Fearghal Scanlon’s “Paint-A-Box” street art on Griffith Avenue in Dublin offers a fascinating glimpse into the intertwined nature of local history, sport, and community pride. Let’s delve deeper into the elements that make this artwork so compelling.

The Artwork:

The mosaic, with its clever use of double perspective, presents two prominent figures from different eras, linked by their connection to the area and their ambitious dreams. Arthur Griffith, a founding father of the Irish Free State, gazes towards a young Na Fianna footballer, symbolising the past inspiring the future. This juxtaposition highlights the enduring spirit of the community and its aspirations.

The Artist:

Fearghal Scanlon, a Glasnevin native and resident of Griffith Avenue, embodies the very essence of this artwork. His deep roots in the community and active involvement with Na Fianna GAA Club make him uniquely positioned to capture the spirit of the area. His passion for painting, pursued in his leisure time, has resulted in this vibrant tribute to his locality.

Arthur Griffith:

Arthur Griffith (1871-1922) was a prominent Irish nationalist, writer, and politician. He founded Sinn Féin in 1905 and played a pivotal role in the Irish struggle for independence. He served as President of Dáil Éireann from January to August 1922. His legacy is etched in Irish history, and his inclusion in the artwork speaks to his enduring influence.

Griffith Avenue:

Named in honour of Arthur Griffith, Griffith Avenue is a prominent residential road in north Dublin, known for its elegant Edwardian and Victorian houses. It stretches from Drumcondra to Glasnevin, traversing a historically significant part of the city. The avenue itself is a testament to Griffith’s contribution to Ireland, and its selection as the canvas for this artwork further amplifies the connection.

Na Fianna GAA Club:

Na Fianna CLG is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in Glasnevin. Established in 1955, it has grown into one of the largest and most successful GAA clubs in Dublin, fostering a strong sense of community through Gaelic games. The depiction of a young Na Fianna footballer in the artwork underscores the club’s importance as a focal point for local pride and aspiration.

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