URBAN EXPRESSION BY THE URBAN CARTOGRAPHER

There Is Much To See Here

urban expression

MURAL ON YORK ROAD BY MARIANA DUARTE SANTOS

by

DUN LAOGHAIRE REF-240656-1

There is a mural on York Road in Dún Laoghaire by Mariana Duarte Santos. This mural was created as part of the Dún Laoghaire Anseo project, which aims to enhance the town’s public spaces with art.

While I don’t have specific details about the imagery or themes depicted in the mural, I can tell you a bit about Mariana Duarte Santos’ artistic style. She often draws inspiration from old photographs and films, creating a sense of nostalgia and reanimating forgotten images. Her work often connects the history of a place with the present through the medium of street art.  

NORMAL PEOPLE BY EVE FITZSIMONS

by

PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART IN DUBLIN REF-240423-1

This is located at the LUAS tram stop on College Green and unfortunately there is no information available to me at present except that Eve Fitzsimons is the artist.

College Green, situated in the heart of Dublin, is a historic and vibrant public space that embodies the city’s rich heritage and bustling energy. This iconic plaza, triangular in shape, is bordered by several landmarks that define Dublin’s architectural and cultural landscape.  

On its northern side stands the imposing Bank of Ireland building, a testament to Dublin’s past as it once housed the Irish Parliament. To its east lies the prestigious Trinity College Dublin, Ireland’s oldest university, renowned for its beautiful campus and academic excellence. And along its southern edge, a series of elegant 19th-century buildings complete the plaza’s distinctive character.  

College Green is not merely a static space; it pulsates with the rhythm of Dublin life. It serves as a popular meeting point, a thoroughfare for locals and tourists alike, and a stage for various events and gatherings, from political rallies to cultural celebrations. The plaza’s central location, at the intersection of several major streets, including Dame Street, Grafton Street, and Westmoreland Street, further amplifies its significance as a vital hub within the city.  

In recent years, College Green has undergone revitalisation efforts aimed at enhancing its pedestrian-friendliness and accessibility. These projects have focused on creating a more welcoming and vibrant public space that prioritises the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, while also respecting its historical context.  

A visit to Dublin is incomplete without experiencing the charm and dynamism of College Green. Whether you’re admiring the architectural grandeur of its surrounding buildings, soaking in the lively atmosphere, or simply people-watching, this plaza offers a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of Dublin.

Today I uses a Zeiss Batis 85mm Lens so let’s take a comprehensive look at the Zeiss Batis 85mm lens and how it compares to the Sony 85mm GM, including the Sony’s notable autofocus noise issue for video.

Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8

Strengths:

Exceptional sharpness across the frame, even wide open at f/1.8
Compact and lightweight, comfortable for long shoots or travel
Fast and quiet autofocus, suitable for candid moments and video
Weather-sealed for protection against dust and moisture
Unique OLED display shows focus distance and depth of field
Considerations:

Maximum aperture of f/1.8 limits low-light performance and shallow depth of field compared to the Sony GM
Slight vignetting, correctable in post-processing
Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM

Strengths:

Wider maximum aperture of f/1.4 excels in low light and produces creamy bokeh
Outstanding image quality with exceptional sharpness, contrast, and colour
Beautiful bokeh from the 11-blade aperture
Fast and accurate autofocus for reliable subject tracking
Dust and moisture resistant for challenging conditions
Considerations:

Larger and heavier than the Batis, less portable for extended use
Higher price point
Noticeably loud autofocus motor, unsuitable for video recording with on-camera audio
Comparison

Image Quality: Both lenses produce stunning images. The Sony GM has an edge in bokeh and low-light performance due to its wider aperture.
Autofocus: Both have fast and accurate autofocus. The Batis might be slightly faster, but the Sony GM is known for its reliability. However, the Sony GM’s loud autofocus motor is a major drawback for video.
Size and Weight: The Batis is significantly smaller and lighter, a more portable option.
Price: The Batis is more affordable than the Sony GM.
Versatility: The Batis’s quiet autofocus makes it suitable for both stills and video, while the Sony GM’s loud motor limits its use for video.
Conclusion

The choice depends on your needs and budget.

The Zeiss Batis 85mm is an excellent all-around 85mm lens, offering portability, fast and quiet autofocus, and sharp images. It’s versatile for various genres, including portraits, events, and video.
The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM is a top-tier portrait lens with exceptional image quality and beautiful bokeh, ideal for professionals and enthusiasts who prioritise stills photography. However, its loud autofocus motor makes it unsuitable for video work with on-camera audio.
Consider your priorities and shooting style when deciding. If you need a versatile lens for stills and video, the Batis is a strong contender. If you focus primarily on stills and want the absolute best image quality, the Sony GM might be the choice, despite its limitations for video.

Remember, both lenses are capable of producing outstanding results. Choose the one that best fits your needs and shooting style.

ETAIN IS A MURAL BY NINA VALKHOFF

by

AT MEAT MARKET LANE IN DROGHEDA

As the laneway is narrow it was difficult to photograph this large mural in Drogheda when I visited to town a few days ago.

While the people of Drogheda may not have the best mural in the world they do have the best one in Ireland!
The results are in for Street Art Cities best of 2022 global competition and Muralist Nina Valkhoff’s “Étaín” mural has placed 38th out of 100 of the Best Murals across the globe! However, there is still cause for celebration as the mural has ranked highest out of the four Irish nominations

Street Art Cities is the largest street art community in the world.

Forgotten buildings, laneways and entire urban areas can lend themselves to colour and vibrant storytelling when murals are installed and used to ignite old stories, as is the case with Étaín and the five other mythological murals that make up the DRAWDA Urban Art Project.

History Of Meat Market Lane

Origin of the Name: As the name suggests, Meat Market Lane was once the central location for Drogheda’s meat market. It housed wooden sheds or “shambles” where butchers sold their wares.
18th Century Relocation: In 1778, a decision was made to move the meat vendors from open stalls on West Street to a more organised space along the north side of Dyer Street. This led to the establishment of the meat market in what is now known as Meat Market Lane.

Transition and Modern Times: Over time, the meat market’s function diminished, and the lane evolved into a passage connecting West Street and Dyer Street. In recent years, it has seen revitalisation efforts, including the addition of the “Étaín” mural as part of the DRAWDA Urban Art Project. It now houses some businesses, including a restaurant.
 
Meat Market Lane runs parallel to West Street, one of Drogheda’s main thoroughfares.  
It connects West Street to Dyer Street, providing a convenient pedestrian walkway between the two.
It is located close to Drogheda Town Centre, a popular shopping destination.  

Significance

Meat Market Lane serves as a reminder of Drogheda’s rich commercial history, reflecting the town’s evolution over centuries.
The presence of the “Étaín” mural and its connection to the DRAWDA Urban Art Trail highlight the lane’s growing importance in Drogheda’s cultural scene.

Nina’s mural is part of the DRAWDA multidisciplinary public arts programme, launched in Drogheda, Co. Louth between November 2021, and April 2022, culminating in an Urban Art Trail throughout Drogheda that focuses on key figures and moments from our mythological past.

Nina Valkhoff is a talented muralist and painter based in Rotterdam, Netherlands. She’s been creating large-scale murals for over two decades and is known for her distinctive style, often featuring endangered species surrounded by vibrant flora.  

Some notable aspects of her work include:

Focus on nature: Her murals frequently depict animals and plants, often highlighting endangered species to raise awareness about conservation.  
Large-scale projects: She specialises in large-scale murals that transform urban landscapes, adding colour and visual interest to buildings and walls.  
Vibrant colour palette: Her work is characterised by a bold use of colour, creating eye-catching and dynamic compositions.
International recognition: She has created murals in various countries and her work has been featured in the Street Art Cities’ “Best of 2022” global competition.  
In addition to the “Étaín” mural in Drogheda, some of her other notable works include murals for the STRAAT Museum in Amsterdam and collaborations with institutions like the Mauritshuis museum.  

If you’d like to learn more about Nina Valkhoff and her art, you can visit her website or search for her work on social media platforms.

MURALS IN THE PARK BY KIRSTY MAHER

by

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.

SWEET AS SUGAR STRONG AS STONE

by

OLD STONES MURAL IN CARLOW – SEANCLOCHA CHEATHARLACH

On College Street, across from the Cathedral, there is a building Seanclocha Cheatharlach, on which is a mural named the Old Stones Mural. To the best of my knowledge this featured in the 2021 Carlow Fringe Arts Festival.

“Seanclocha Cheatharlach” is the Irish phrase for “The Old Stones of Carlow.” It refers to the collection of ancient megalithic monuments and other historic stone structures found throughout County Carlow.

One prominent example related to this phrase is the Sean Clocha Cheatharlach/The Old Stones of Carlow Mural located in Carlow town. This mural celebrates the rich prehistoric heritage of the region by depicting some of its most iconic ancient sites, such as the Brownshill Dolmen and other megalithic tombs.

So, while “Seanclocha Cheatharlach” literally translates to “The Old Stones of Carlow,” it encompasses both the actual ancient monuments themselves and the cultural appreciation and recognition of these significant historical landmarks, as exemplified by the mural.

THE OLD STONES OF CARLOW

Remember when the air was sweet
From the Tavern to the Weir
With the smell of sugar beet
Each September of the year.

Sowed the seed – Siol Sa Chre
Ploughed the furrow – Raon Treabhtha
On our land – In Ar OTalamh
Was golden grain – Arbhair Oir
Through the years the Stoney Street of Carlow
Stand against the wind and rain
From the Slaney River to the Barrow
These old Carlow Stones will remain

Yellow are the primroses
Green the leaf on the tree
Red were the hearts of our heroes
Who gave their lives for liberty.

As already mentioned the “Old Stones of Carlow” refers to the numerous ancient megalithic monuments and other historic stone structures scattered throughout County Carlow. These remnants of Ireland’s prehistoric past offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the people who inhabited this land thousands of years ago.

Some of the most notable “Old Stones” include:

Brownshill Dolmen: This massive portal tomb, also known as the Kernanstown Cromlech, features one of the largest capstones in Europe, estimated to weigh over 100 tons.
 
Cloch-an-Phoill (The Stone of the Hole): A large granite pillar with a distinctive hole, believed to have been used for ritual purposes.  

The Nine Stones: A mysterious stone circle near the village of Ballon, shrouded in local folklore and legends.  

High Crosses: Carlow boasts several well-preserved high crosses, intricately carved stone monuments dating back to the early Christian period.

These “Old Stones” serve as tangible reminders of Carlow’s rich and layered history, offering a unique connection to the distant past. They continue to inspire awe and wonder, attracting visitors from around the world who seek to explore the mysteries and secrets they hold.

The Carlow Fringe Arts Festival is a vibrant celebration of creativity and culture, showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions. This annual festival, held in the heart of Carlow, Ireland, transforms the town into a hub of artistic energy, attracting both local and international visitors.

The festival’s programme is a delightful mix of visual arts, music, theatre, literature, and film, offering something to captivate every artistic taste. Visitors can immerse themselves in thought-provoking exhibitions, enjoy soul-stirring musical performances, and experience the magic of live theatre. The festival also provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents, fostering a sense of community and artistic growth.

Beyond the performances and exhibitions, the Carlow Fringe Arts Festival creates a unique atmosphere of shared artistic experiences. The streets come alive with impromptu performances, workshops, and interactive installations, inviting everyone to participate and engage with the arts. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply curious to explore new creative horizons, the Carlow Fringe Arts Festival promises an unforgettable experience.

BY HOLLY PEREIRA – GEORGE’S LANE IN NEWBRIDGE

by

THE ONLY EXAMPLE OF STREET ART THAT I SAW IN NEWBRIDGE

There seems to be limited street art easily visible in Newbridge compared to other towns. However, there’s evidence suggesting a recent surge in street art activity, particularly in the summer of 2023.

Recent street art additions:

George’s Lane: The artwork in this photograph was likely part of this initiative. After some research I can confirm that this is by Holly Pereira and it could be described as being on Eyre Street.
Eyre Street: Murals by Holly Pereira and others were created here. I will visit again as I did not explore this street. 
Military Road: Paul Woods contributed a mural on the Council Machinery Yard Wall.

Reasons for limited visibility:

New initiatives: The recent projects indicate a budding street art scene, so it may take time for more works to appear and gain visibility.
Location: Some murals might be in less prominent locations, making them harder to discover without specifically seeking them out.
Temporary nature: Street art can be ephemeral, with works painted over or removed over time.

street art, Newbridge, George’s Lane, Eyre Street, Military Road, Holly Pereira, Paul Woods, murals, recent projects, limited visibility, growing scene, new initiatives, ephemeral art,William Murphy, Infomatique,Sony A7RIV, August 2024, Sony 24-70 F2.8 GM Lens, Urban Expression,Urban Culture,
 

We Are Removing Advertising From All Our Sites