TWO FOR JOY BY EMER MAGUIRE

PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART ON LOWER RATHMINES ROAD

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A few weeks ago I captured a delightful piece of street art! “Two for Joy” by Emer Maguire and it a colourful addition to Lower Rathmines Road.

Emer Maguire and “Two for Joy”

Emer Maguire is a self-taught artist who enjoys painting and creating art as a hobby. Her “Two for Joy” piece was created as part of the Dublin Canvas programme in 2023. It features two stylised magpies set against a vibrant yellow sky, designed to mimic a stained glass window. The inspiration came from the nearby Church of Mary Immaculate Refuge of Sinners. The black railings behind the birds helps the artwork blend seamlessly with its surroundings.  

Dublin Canvas

Dublin Canvas is a fantastic initiative that transforms traffic signal boxes into vibrant works of art. It’s a brilliant way to brighten up the streetscape and support local artistic talent. Since its inception, Dublin Canvas has brought colour and creativity to over 200 traffic signal boxes across the city. This programme has certainly made paint-a-box street art a common and much-loved sight in Dublin. It not only enhances the urban environment but also provides a platform for artists to showcase their work.  

Magpie Rhymes and Superstitions

The magpie rhyme referenced by the artwork is a well-known piece of folklore, particularly in the UK and Ireland:

One for sorrow,
Two for joy,
Three for a girl,
Four for a boy,
Five for silver,  
Six for gold,  
Seven for a secret, never to be told.  

This rhyme, and the superstitions around magpies, are deeply rooted in British and Irish culture. While variations of the rhyme exist, the core theme of magpies as omens of good or bad luck remains consistent.  

Global Magpie Folklore

Interestingly, magpie folklore isn’t confined to the Anglo world. Similar beliefs and superstitions around magpies can be found in various cultures across Europe and Asia.

In Korea, magpies are considered birds of good omen, symbolising happiness, good news, and fidelity.  
In China, magpies are associated with joy, good fortune, and marital bliss. They are often depicted in art and literature as symbols of happiness.  
In Sweden, a magpie seen chattering near the house is said to foretell a visitor.
While the specific interpretations and rhymes may differ, the widespread association of magpies with fortune, luck, and omens suggests a deeper connection between humans and these intelligent birds across various cultures.

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