HEADLESS URBAN EXPRESSION

There Is Much To See Here

urban culture

URBAN EXPRESSION IN LIMERICK JULY 2016

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A VERY LIMITED SELECTION OF STREET ART

Much of the street art that I saw in Limerick was no longer to be seen when I last visited the city in 2022 as many of the locations had been demolished.

PHONE ZOMBIES IS A STREET ART MURAL WITH A MESSAGE LOCATED ON CAMDEN ROW

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NEAR ST KEVIN’S CEMETERY

This mural was produced by Kevin McSherry and Katherina Rupit.

Phones, tablets, even watch screens are everywhere you turn. According to Common Sense Media, teens spend an average of seven hours and 22 minutes on screens every day! And that doesn’t include computer time for schoolwork.

Some studies show that too much screen time can affect your body. Adolescence is a critical time for brain development so teens may be especially at risk. While watching videos or texting with friends is fun, it’s crucial to limit screen time.

It is interesting to note that the mural is close to the entrance to St Kevin’s Cemetery. At the start of the 19th century this cemetery, like many others in Dublin, became a target of the body-snatchers, although it was surrounded by high walls (changed to railings in the 1960s). In February 1830 a Frenchman named Nagles and his friend were attacked by a group of “sack-em-ups” lying in wait near the cemetery. The criminals’ attention was diverted by the arrival of a cart-load of dead bodies, giving Nagles the opportunity to escape and notify the police at Arran Quay, who apprehended the culprits. On one occasion a body-snatcher was chased as far as Thomas Street, where he finally dropped his booty—the body of a young girl.

THE FAIRY FOREST BY TANIA ROSAS -224999

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LOCATED IN RATHFARNHAM VILLAGE IN DUBLIN

Tania Rosas, a multicultural illustrator, animator and video content creator is currently based in Dublin, Ireland. Her dream to bring a splash of joy to people’s lives through illustrations & videos.

https://taniarosasdesigns.com/pages/tania-rosas

THE KINGFISHER AT ST PAUL’S AVENUE IN CORK

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MURAL BY LONDON ARTIST CURTIS HYLTON

This mural, created by Curtis Hylton, on Lapp’s Quay near the Paul Street Carpark features The image of a kingfisher with a piece of plastic in its beak. It is the result of a collaboration between the Walls Project, the creative agency behind the annual Waterford Walls International Street Art Festival, and Blackrock Castle.

THE LIGHT KEEPER BY SOPHI ODLING

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REAR OF THE SEA SCOUTS IN DUN LAOGHAIRE

Sophi Odling is an Australian artist who paints large-scale murals around the globe. Her work focuses on the beauty amongst the chaos in our everyday lives. The vivid narratives reflect human behaviours, environments, and cultures that she encounters.

Born in 1983 in Seoul, South Korea, Sophi grew up in Sydney, Australia, where she currently lives and works. In 2005 Sophi completed her BFA at UNSW College of Fine Arts. In 2017 Sophi started painting murals after a 14 year career in fashion. Her murals can be seen in America, Europe, South East Asia, Central America and Australia – and now in Dún Laoghaire!

Sophi presents her work in hope to celebrate the acceptance of cultural diversity, borderless minds, and the innocence of youth.

Sophi described her work for DLR Anseo in three words – embracing, night, and warmth. Titled ‘The Light Keeper’, it takes inspiration from the shelter and protection provided by the two light houses of Dún Laoghaire.

In summer 2021, a host of street artists arrived in Dún Laoghaire to turn the town’s streets into an open air canvas. The result was Dún Laoghaire Anseo which saw fifteen walls transformed by some stunning pieces of art that brightened the streets of the town. In 2022, ten more artists were invited back for Dún Laoghaire Anseo 2022. This year we have expanded across the county, bringing art not just to Dún Laoghaire but also to the walls of Dundrum, Deansgrange, Sallynoggin and Sandyford.

Meaning “here” in Irish, Anseo explores what makes our county a unique place. It’s our take on the essence of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, borrowing from its maritime heritage, its rich cultural history and reflecting themes of biodiversity.

Anseo brings together the best in contemporary street art, with a mixture of established, up-and-coming, and local artists, supported by Creative Ireland.

https://www.dlrcoco.ie/meet-artists

LIBERTY LANE OFF KEVIN STREET

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SOME CLAIM THAT GRAFFITI IS LEGAL HERE

Liberty Lane is a short, narrow lane in Dublin, Ireland, running from Lower Kevin Street to Camden Row. It is located in the historic Liberties district, which was once home to many of the city’s working poor. Some people claim that the lane extended from all the way from Kevin Street to Portobello but I am not convinced that it ever did.

During online searches I have frequently seen this lane described as being a legal location for street art and it is implied that it is legal because property owners have given consent. However, my understanding is that property owners cannot give consent without planning permission.

www.legal-walls.net/country/ireland
www.garda.ie/en/crime/criminal-damage/property-crime-graf…
www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/dublin-needs-to-catch-up-and-…
www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/18/dublin-city-council…

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