URBAN EXPRESSION BY THE URBAN CARTOGRAPHER

There Is Much To See Here

Public art

MURALS IN THE PARK BY KIRSTY MAHER

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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.

THE UPRIGHT MEADOW ON COLLEGE STREET IN CARLOW

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BY SAIDHBHIN GIBSON

When I visited in August 2024 there was little sign of living plants and I do not know why, maybe it is no longer maintained?

Saidhbhín Gibson’s work explores the framing of the non-human environment for and by contemporary society. She employs multifarious methods of production in the manufacture of the work. Video, photography, drawing, sculpture and needlepoint lace are used to examine the interference by humans of the Natural world.

The Upright Meadow is a living art installation located on College Street in Carlow Town, Ireland. It was created by artist Saidhbhín Gibson in 2017 as part of a town-wide project commissioning artists to respond to chosen wall spaces.

Here’s what makes it unique:

Living wall: Instead of traditional art materials, the “canvas” is a wall populated with wildflowers commonly found growing in the crevices of stone walls.
Plant Diversity: The installation showcases a variety of wild plants, highlighting the biodiversity often overlooked in urban environments.
Evolving Artwork: The Upright Meadow changes throughout the year as the plants grow, flower, and seed, creating an ever-evolving display.
Inspiration from Nature: The artwork was inspired by a nearby pocket of land rich in wildflowers, grasses, and wildlife.
Additional details:

The plants used were collected over eight months before being implanted into the wall.
The installation contrasts with the more manicured, commercial bedding plants often seen in urban planters.
It aims to draw attention to the beauty and resilience of wild plants.

Pure Thinking Community Group’s art project in Carlow. It seems they were involved in at least two projects:

Larger-Than-Life Portraits Project (2015)
 
This project was part of the lead-up to the Carlow Arts Festival in 2015.  
Artists from the Pure Thinking Community created oversized portraits of inspirational people from Carlow.  
These portraits were displayed on the exterior panels of the Carlow County Post Office during the festival.
The project involved workshops facilitated by artist Iwona Nartowska O’Reilly, with 29 artists participating.  
The portraits showcased a diverse range of individuals, reflecting the vibrant Carlow community.  

Wall Space Art Project (2017)
This project commissioned artists to respond to chosen wall spaces throughout Carlow Town.
It aimed to enhance the visual appeal of the town and promote local artists.
Saidhbhín Gibson’s “The Upright Meadow” was one of the artworks created for this project.
Other artists also contributed to the project, creating a variety of artworks in different locations.
It seems Pure Thinking Community Group played a key role in facilitating both of these projects, bringing together artists and creating opportunities for them to showcase their work and contribute to the cultural landscape of Carlow.

TILES BY KILLIAN MULLARNEY FEATURING BIRDS NATIVE TO IRELAND -236750-1

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MICRO PUBLIC SPACE ON WOLFE TONE STREET

What I would describe as a micro public space on Wolfe Tone Street, Wolfe Tone Crescent, features tiles showcasing Irish birds. These beautiful bird images are the work of renowned Irish bird artist Killian Mullarney. The installation is a collaboration between MCD Landscaping and Dublin City Council’s Parks & Landscape Services, enhancing the area and creating an outdoor gallery for the community.

Delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this landscape refurbishment project revitalises Wolfe Tone Street, providing residents and visitors a unique space to enjoy art and nature. The space is at the entrance to Wolfe Tone Court, a public housing complex managed by Dublin City Council, has been a vital part of the community for many years, providing housing for families and individuals in need.

KILLIAN MULLARNEY: A CELEBRATED IRISH ORNITHOLOGIST AND BIRD ARTIST

Killian Mullarney is a highly acclaimed Irish ornithologist, bird artist, and bird tour leader. He is considered one of the most accomplished bird artists of our time, specialising in field guide illustrations and plate designs.

His artwork is featured in many renowned bird guides, most notably the Collins Bird Guide, where he has been involved since its inception. His detailed and accurate illustrations have helped countless birdwatchers identify and appreciate different species. He also designed a series of Irish definitive stamps for An Post (the Irish postal service) illustrating Irish birds, issued between 1997 and 2004.

Mullarney has co-authored influential books on bird identification, including “The New Approach to Bird Identification.” He is also a sought-after consultant for bird identification and has contributed to numerous birding journals and magazines. As an experienced birdwatcher, Mullarney leads bird tours worldwide, sharing his expertise and passion for birds with enthusiasts.

Mullarney’s dedication to bird conservation and his exceptional talent have earned him a prominent place in the world of ornithology and bird art. His work continues to inspire and educate birdwatchers of all levels, and his contribution to the field is immeasurable.

BIRDS NATIVE TO IRELAND

Ireland, being an island, has a unique bird population that differs from its closest neighbour, Great Britain. There are over 450 species on the Irish list, but many are rare, vagrant, or migratory birds.

Here are a few examples of birds native to Ireland:

Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius hibernicus)
Coal Tit (Periparus ater hibernicus)
Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus hibernicus)
Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax)
Corncrake (Crex crex)
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
These are just a few examples of the diverse birdlife found in Ireland. The mild climate and varied habitats of Ireland provide a haven for a wide range of bird species throughout the year.

STREET ARTISTS IN DUBLIN FACE A NUMBER OF CHALLENGES

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STREET ART ON HALLIDAY ROAD IN STONEYBATTER

Halliday Road is a residential street located in the Stoneybatter neighbourhood, known for its mix of traditional cottages and more modern homes. Stoneybatter is a popular area with a village-like feel despite being close to Dublin’s city centre.

Two large-scale murals on the gable ends of houses in Stoneybatter were commissioned by Dublin City Council, and this is one of them. Unfortunately my view was obstructed by people and parked cars.

Chris Judge is an illustrator, artist, and children’s picture book author from Dublin, Ireland. Since 2011, Chris has written and illustrated over 35 children’s books, often collaborating with authors like Roddy Doyle, David O’Doherty, and Eoin Colfer. His first book, The Lonely Beast, won the 2011 Specsavers Irish Children’s Book of the Year Award at the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards.

Chris also creates large-scale artworks, most notably three large mosaics in collaboration with Triskill Design for Stanhope Street School in Dublin, Scoil Bhride in Kildare, and Mountrath Community School.

Street artists in Dublin face a number of challenges, including:

Legal Restrictions and Planning Permission: Dublin City Council takes a firm stance on street art, often requiring artists to obtain planning permission before painting murals. This can be a time-consuming and bureaucratic process, discouraging spontaneous expression which is a core element of street art. Occasionally, works are removed even if the building owner has consented.

Conflicting Views on Art: While many people appreciate the vibrancy and creativity that street art brings to urban spaces, others view it as vandalism or a nuisance. This can lead to tension with authorities and property owners.

Lack of Designated Spaces: Dublin lacks sufficient dedicated spaces for street artists to legally practice their craft. This leaves artists feeling limited and makes it difficult for them to showcase their work without risking legal consequences.

Competition: Dublin has a thriving street art scene. This fosters healthy competition but can also make it difficult for artists to gain recognition and stand out, especially for newcomers to the scene.

Economic Hardship: Like many artists, street artists in Dublin often struggle financially. Their art can be a source of income, but it might be inconsistent and unpredictable, especially if they face legal hurdles or lack of public recognition.

Initiatives and Organizations:

Some organisations are working to support street artists in Dublin and improve their circumstances. Groups like Subset advocate for greater acceptance of street art and lobby for the creation of more legal spaces for artists to express themselves. Such initiatives can potentially increase understanding and opportunities for street artists within Dublin’s community.

TRANSFORMATIVE URBAN LANDSCAPES

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URBAN EXPRESSION AT ARBOUR HILL BY SUBSET

Transformative Urban Landscapes: Subset’s Street Art in Ireland

Street art often serves as a vibrant and disruptive element within an urban landscape. In Ireland, the Dublin-based art collective Subset has gained prominence for its bold and thought-provoking murals that enliven city walls. Formed over a decade ago, the group is known for its diverse range of styles and its exploration of cultural icons alongside witty social commentary.

While street art’s ephemeral nature contributes to its allure, Subset’s ongoing Grey Area project has highlighted the challenges artists face in Ireland. The project emerged as a response to Dublin City Council’s approach to large-scale public artworks. Subset’s aim is to simplify the planning processes for street artists, ultimately seeking to transform Dublin into an open-air gallery.

Among Subset’s most iconic works is the 2017 mural dedicated to the grime rapper Stormzy, which graced Smithfield Plaza. The mural not only became a popular selfie spot but stood as a rare celebration of a Black artist within the Irish arts scene. Other notable Subset murals include their pieces featuring global figures like Donald Trump and David Attenborough, often infused with Subset’s signature brand of bold satire.

Alongside their independent street art, Subset has collaborated with established brands, demonstrating the growing impact and recognition of street art within contemporary advertising and visual communication. As the battle for artistic freedom in urban spaces continues, Subset remains at the forefront, pushing the boundaries of the Irish street art scene.

Let me know if want me to focus on any specific examples of Subset’s work.

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