CONTENTS
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2023 MURAL BY ALEX SENNAA noteworthy aspect of this mural is its integration of localised details. Senna painted an image of the house itself onto a figure's jumper and included the…
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3 DAYS BEFORE SCULPTURE IN…I like to visit the Botanic Gardens before the exhibition begins and before any information is available and sometimes I get to speak to the artists. Today the…
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A MATCH FOR LIFE BY EMMA…In the landscape of contemporary Irish sculpture, Emma Jane Rushworth occupies a unique and vital space. Working from her studio in the verdant surroundings of… A MATCH FOR LIFE BY EMMA…In the landscape of contemporary Irish sculpture, Emma Jane Rushworth occupies a unique and vital space. Working from her studio in the verdant surroundings of… A MATCH FOR LIFE BY EMMA…In the landscape of contemporary Irish sculpture, Emma Jane Rushworth occupies a unique and vital space. ANA DUNCAN SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT…Ana Duncan is a distinguished Irish sculptor, born in Dublin, who has carved a significant niche for herself in the art world with her evocative bronze and… ANA DUNCAN SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT…Ana Duncan is a distinguished Irish sculptor, born in Dublin, who has carved a significant niche for herself in the art world with her evocative bronze and… ARROW TRAIN SETS IN CORKFollowing their withdrawal from the capital, the entire 2600 Class fleet was permanently relocated to Cork around 2010. Here, they became the backbone of the… A SEED WITH WINGSIn the contemporary landscape of Irish art, Conall O'Caoimh stands as a distinctive figure. He is a sculptor whose practice is not confined to the studio but… A SEED WITH WINGS BY CONAL…In the contemporary landscape of Irish art, Conall O'Caoimh stands as a distinctive figure. He is a sculptor whose practice is not confined to the studio but… A SEED WITH WINGS BY CONAL…In the contemporary landscape of Irish art, Conall O'Caoimh stands as a distinctive figure. He is a sculptor whose practice is not confined to the studio but… A TALE OF TWO FOLLIES PLUS THE…While exploring the area near the modern Church of the Most Sacred Heart in Waterford, I was intrigued to discover two roads named "The Folly" and "Richardson's…
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BOLTON STREET AREATragedy struck on 2 June 1963, when the four-storey tenement building at 20 Bolton Street suddenly collapsed. The event resulted in the deaths of two elderly… BY ANIMALITOLAND FROM ARGENTINAAnimalitoland's mural from the 2018 festival is located on Doyle Street, near its junction with St Ignatius Street. The mural depicts a large, purplish,… BY ANIMALITOLAND FROM ARGENTINAAnimalitoland's mural from the 2018 festival is located on Doyle Street, near its junction with St Ignatius Street. The mural depicts a large, purplish,… BY SONNY SUNDANCER PHOTOGRAPHED…Extraordinary was created by the South African artist Sonny Sundancer. I first photographed this in 2019 about a year after it was originally painted. Sonny…
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CENTRED ON PARLIAMENT STREETGiven these official boundaries, Parliament Street runs directly through the western portion of Temple Bar. Therefore, Temple Bar unequivocally includes both… CHURCH OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITYThe Holy Trinity church History dates back to the first quarter of the nineteenth century. It replaced the older eighteenth century thatched Faha chapel which… CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART FERRY…he Church of the Sacred Heart is a prominent building in Ferrybank, and its location can be a source of confusion for visitors. While Ferrybank is often closely… CIRCLE OF VAULTS IN GLASNEVIN…The vaults at Glasnevin are primarily subterranean. As a guide at the cemetery recently clarified, burial within them was not considered "above ground" as the… CRAMPTON COURTThe thoroughfare's official name is Crampton Court, a medieval lane named for Philip Crampton, an 18th-century Lord Mayor of Dublin. The popular moniker, 'Love…
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DAGDA BY DEIRDRE GROVESGroves has developed a distinct style in abstract portraiture, with her official website showcasing a significant body of work in this medium. She notes that… DAGDA BY DEIRDRE GROVESGroves has developed a distinct style in abstract portraiture, with her official website showcasing a significant body of work in this medium. She notes that… DE LA SALLE COLLEGEDe La Salle College in Waterford is an all-boys secondary school with a rich history rooted in the De La Salle Brothers' educational mission. It is a prominent… DE LA SALLE HALL 2016Back in 2016, a trip to Waterford was an exciting mission to find and photograph street art. The city was full of 'Waterford Walls' signs, and it felt like… DE LA SALLE HOUSE IN WATERFORD…This was the first time that I managed to photograph the doorway in detail and after merging 6 images I was able to read the sponsorship sign. DOVE INFINITY CIRCLE BY ESTER…Barrett has exhibited extensively in group shows both in Ireland and internationally, gaining recognition for her work and winning several international awards. DOVE INFINITY CIRCLE BY ESTER…Barrett has exhibited extensively in group shows both in Ireland and internationally, gaining recognition for her work and winning several international awards.
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ECLISPE OF THE SUN AND THE MOONMercè Canadell is a distinguished Barcelona-born, Dublin-based sculptor whose work is characterised by its exploration of figurative and abstract forms across a… ECLISPE OF THE SUN AND THE MOONMercè Canadell is a distinguished Barcelona-born, Dublin-based sculptor whose work is characterised by its exploration of figurative and abstract forms across a… ECLISPE OF THE SUN AND THE MOONI photographed this three times. First time was with a Sony A1 Mk2 combined with a Sony 70-200mm F4 GII and the images were very good. A few days later and the… ECLISPE OF THE SUN AND THE MOONI photographed this three times. First time was with a Sony A1 Mk2 combined with a Sony 70-200mm F4 GII and the images were very good. A few days later and the… EXAMPLE 005I have also included line drawings which are experimental EXAMPLE 008I will provide details of the Sculptor and their art as soon as they become available later this week. For some unknown reason auto focus was not at its best…
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FIRST VISIT TO TRAMORE COUNTY…Tramore, which translates from the Irish 'Trá Mhór' to 'big beach', was originally a small fishing village. Its transformation began in the late 18th century… FITZ ON ABBEY STREET HAS CLOSEDFor more than a decade, Fitz Alterations was a fixture in the heart of Dublin, a trusted destination for those seeking to mend, tailor, or restore cherished… FLOWERS AND PLANTS CLOSE-UPI revisited the Botanic Gardens with the Q3, but things began to go wrong almost immediately. During an intense shooting session, the camera spontaneously… FLOWERS IN THE BOTANIC GARDENSMy previous visits have yielded mixed results. A few days ago, I took the Leica Q3. This did not go well; the camera crashed, which is a major concern for a… FLOWERS IN THE BOTANIC GARDENSMy previous visits have yielded mixed results. A few days ago, I took the Leica Q3. This did not go well; the camera crashed, which is a major concern for a… FLOWERS ON THE STREET BY LULA…The story begins with the original mural's creator, Lula Goce. A Spanish artist with a distinctive path, her work is uniquely informed by her formal academic… FORTY SHILLINGS FINESpotted on a gate in Glasnevin, just a stone's throw from Dublin's National Botanic Gardens, is a weathered cast iron sign. Its message is stark and formal:… FRANCIS STREET HAS IMPROVEDIn the centre of Dublin's historic Liberties neighbourhood lies Francis Street, an urban quarter that offers a fascinating portrait of evolution. FUJI GFX100RF CAMERAThe Fujifilm GFX100RF is a groundbreaking camera that combines the immense image quality of a large-format sensor with the design philosophy of a classic street…
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GRANVILLE HOTEL JULY 2018It is now August 2025 and I have booked a room for a week at the Granville Hotel having been unable to visit since March 2023. GRIFFITH PARK ON THE TOLKA RIVERLocated in the heart of Glasnevin, Dublin, Griffith Park is a cherished green space with a history as rich and layered as the soil beneath its manicured lawns.…
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HARE WE ARE COLECTION 004The term "March Hare" refers to the European hare (Lepus europaeus) during its breeding season, which typically peaks in the month of March. The phrase "mad as… HERBERT SIMMS AND CHANCERY…The appointment of Herbert George Simms as Dublin Corporation’s first dedicated Housing Architect in 1932 was no routine administrative decision. It was a… HUNGRY MEXICAN REPLACED BY…Tucano's sudden emergence and rapid expansion are not random events. While the Dublin-based brand should not be confused with other businesses of the same name,…
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IN BLOOM BY RAY DELANEYDelaney’s primary source of inspiration is nature. His sculptures often explore the fluid dynamics of movement, seeking to encapsulate a fleeting moment in… IN BLOOM BY RAY DELANEYDelaney’s primary source of inspiration is nature. His sculptures often explore the fluid dynamics of movement, seeking to encapsulate a fleeting moment in… IS YELLOW THE NEW PINKI will provide details of the Sculptor and their art as soon as they become available later this week. For some unknown reason auto focus was not at its best… I USED A FUJI GFX100RFIn a series of ceramic sculptures inspired by Arctic foxes, Canadell addresses the pressing issue of global warming and its impact on the planet's polar… I USED A FUJI GFX100RFIn a series of ceramic sculptures inspired by Arctic foxes, Canadell addresses the pressing issue of global warming and its impact on the planet's polar…
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JOHN'S LANE WEST NOW HOME TO…John's Lane West is intrinsically linked to the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) as it defines a key boundary of the college's main campus in Dublin 8. JOHN CONDON BOY SOLDIERIn May 2016, a visit to Waterford inspired me to photograph the John Condon memorial, a poignant sculpture located outside the Bishop's Palace Museum. I was…
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KOI POND NAKED RAKU BY URSULA…McGivern's journey as a sculptor is one of dedicated evolution. After graduating from St Mary's University College, Belfast, in 1978 with a specialisation in… KOI POND NAKED RAKU BY URSULA…McGivern's journey as a sculptor is one of dedicated evolution. After graduating from St Mary's University College, Belfast, in 1978 with a specialisation in…
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LAURA A MURAL BY TAQUENThe collaboration between Taquen and the Waterford Walls festival was a natural fit. Founded by Edel Tobin, the festival’s mission is to use art for urban… LEARNING TO PHOTOGRAPH FLOWERSClose-up photography is a broader term for getting near to a subject, but not necessarily at that life-size scale. My versatile Sony 70-200mm GII lens, for… LEGACY SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 2007I've just started testing Excire Foto 2025, and it’s already a game-changer. For my very first test, I challenged it to find photos from "Sculpture In Context… LIGHT AND TURN BY MARK RYANMark Ryan's relationship with Sculpture in Context is a recurring and significant aspect of his career. His work is regularly selected for inclusion in this… LIGHT AND TURN BY MARK RYANMark Ryan's relationship with Sculpture in Context is a recurring and significant aspect of his career. His work is regularly selected for inclusion in this… LIGHT AND TURN BY MARK RYANA key feature of Ryan’s career is his long-standing participation in Sculpture in Context, the celebrated annual exhibition at Dublin's National Botanic…
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MANTRA BY A MEXICAN ARTISTThe mural was created by the talented Mexican painter, Torbe 36. He is an active part of the contemporary Mexican graffiti scene, and his work often showcases a… MASQUERADE BY JACKIE BALLAs an artist, Ball creates three-dimensional works and has been a regular exhibitor at major Irish art events. Her sculptures, such as 'Sanctuary' (exhibited in… MASQUERADE BY JACKIE BALLAs an artist, Ball creates three-dimensional works and has been a regular exhibitor at major Irish art events. Her sculptures, such as 'Sanctuary' (exhibited in… MATERIAL REFLECTIONS BY KEN DREWrew's artistic practice is characterised by a profound engagement with materials and a recurring inspiration drawn from the natural world. He works with a… MATERIAL REFLECTIONS BY KEN DREWrew's artistic practice is characterised by a profound engagement with materials and a recurring inspiration drawn from the natural world. He works with a… MEATH STREET IS A WORK IN…The €5 million Meath Street Public Realm Improvement Scheme was formally approved by Dublin City Councillors in December 2023. The project is split into two… MURAL BY ADOR AND SHUKMy photographs from 2017 provide a valuable and detailed visual record of the wall's second artistic iteration. A close examination of these images reveals a… MURAL BY A RUSSIAN ARTISThe mural by the Russian artist KREEMOS is a striking piece of contemporary street art, notable for its geometric style and its location in one of Waterford… MURAL BY A RUSSIAN ARTISThe mural by the Russian artist KREEMOS is a striking piece of contemporary street art, notable for its geometric style and its location in one of Waterford… MURAL BY DAN LEO 2 PARK ROAD…Dan Leo is a British street artist, born in London, who moved to Ireland at a young age. He is a multidisciplinary artist known for his murals, paintings, and… MURAL BY MAKER AND LANDThe third and most recent layer of the wall's history began in 2021 when the 2017 mural was replaced by a new work by the Spanish artist duo Maker & Land. The… MURAL BY MARKER AND LAND IN 2021The photograph I captured in August 2021 serves as clear proof that this mural was not created in 2025, contrary to some previous assertions. This early… MURAL BY MR CENZThe Waterford Walls festival, including Mr. Cenz's significant contribution, has been overwhelmingly celebrated for its transformative effect on the city.… MURAL BY SONNY SUNDANCER AUGUST…As I had the opportunity to photograph the artist in action on the Monday I decided to revisit on the last day of my visit to the city to see the completed work… MURALS IN WATERFORDThe Waterford Walls Festival in 2021, marking its seventh iteration, significantly expanded its artistic footprint across Waterford City and County. This report… MURALS PHOTOGRAPHED JULY 2018Having learned about Waterford Walls, I began visiting the city annually. I usually try to visit in August or September to photograph the most recent murals.… MY LAST TIME TO SEE THE ORB…The photographs featured here were taken in 2021 and are my last images of the 'Orb Fountain' at the People's Park in Waterford. I had cancelled my planned… MY VISITS TO WATERFORDThe Waterford Walls Festival in 2021, marking its seventh iteration, significantly expanded its artistic footprint across Waterford City and County. This report…
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NERONE THE ARTIST AND HIS ARTThis article provides a comprehensive overview of the French street artist and graphic designer known as Nerone, whose work is a highlight of the Waterford…
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OF THE HOOK WAS A WORK IN…The fact that the mural remained unfinished after five days is an inherent part of the public art festival experience. Large-scale mural production is a live…
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PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART ON AN…When I visited Waterford in 2021 I used a Sony A7RIV which allowed GeoTagging which has useful in this instance as I could not remember where this example of… PEOPLES PARK IN WATERFORD JULY…Back in July 2018, I spent some time photographing the People's Park in Waterford. I remember being fascinated by the old Victorian iron bridge, but to my…
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SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 8 SEPTEMBER…Ana Duncan is a distinguished Irish sculptor, born in Dublin, who has carved a significant niche for herself in the art world with her evocative bronze and… SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 8 SEPTEMBER…Ana Duncan is a distinguished Irish sculptor, born in Dublin, who has carved a significant niche for herself in the art world with her evocative bronze and… SONNY SUNDANCER WORKING ON HIS…The "Electric Fury" mural is located on Newgate Street in Waterford, Ireland. This striking artwork was created as part of the annual Waterford Walls festival.… ST MOBHI'S CHURCHNestled within an enclosed, historic graveyard off Church Avenue, St Mobhi's is a modest Church of Ireland church that offers a sense of tranquillity. It stands…
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TECHNICAL REVIEWSWe know that when it comes to investing in new gear, getting the facts straight is crucial. While many reviews focus on personal experience—which can be… TEMPLE BAR 5 SEPTEMBER 2025Temple Bar, the renowned cultural and entertainment quarter in the heart of Dublin, owes its name to a combination of a prominent 17th-century figure and the… THE BEAN BY BLESSING SANYANGABlessing Sanyanga is a distinguished sculptor whose work offers a profound exploration of identity, heritage, and the intricate connections between humanity and… THE BEAN BY BLESSING SANYANGABlessing Sanyanga is a distinguished sculptor whose work offers a profound exploration of identity, heritage, and the intricate connections between humanity and… THE BOTANIC GARDENSThe National Botanic Gardens, Dublin, have a strong focus on native Irish flora, a feature that distinguishes them and provides a crucial resource for national… THE CHURCH AT BALLYBRICKENThe Catholic Church of the Most Holy Trinity Without in Ballybricken, Waterford, and its adjoining graveyard, offer a fascinating glimpse into the social,… THE CHURCH OF ST JOHN ON PARNELL…The current church is a relatively recent addition to a site with a long ecclesiastical history. The original Priory of St John's was founded by King John for… THE COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES…The commemoration of the 207 service members of the British Armed Forces buried in Glasnevin Cemetery has elicited both positive and negative reactions,… THE FERRYBANK MARIAN GROTTO…Confusion often arises between the large Marian Grotto in Ferrybank and the Our Lady of the Wayside Grotto on Cork Road in Waterford City. During my recent… THE FISHERMAN MURAL ON GRATTAN…Ryan Christenson, a Connecticut native, began his artistic journey at a young age. While working in his father's landscaping business, he discovered graffiti at… THE FULLY INTACT MURAL AT…For anyone who loves Waterford's vibrant street art scene, the colourful mural by Curtis Hylton on the street facing side of the old Finders Keepers shop on… THE ORB WAS AT ITS BEST IN 2019The explanation for the changing orientation of the orb lies in a subtle but crucial detail found in the artist's broader commentary on her work. Describing her… THE ORB WAS AT ITS BEST IN 2019The explanation for the changing orientation of the orb lies in a subtle but crucial detail found in the artist's broader commentary on her work. Describing her… THE ORMOND HOTELOccupying a prominent position on the historic Georgian quays of Dublin's River Liffey, the site of the former Ormond Hotel presents a stark paradox. For over a… THE PARK AS IT WAS IN AUGUST…Back in 2017, the People's Park in Waterford was a well-established and popular public space with a range of amenities. The park featured a Victorian-era… THE PORTREE HOTEL AUGUST 2021The Portree in Waterford is no longer available for public bookings because it has undergone a significant transformation, converting into an International… THE RYDER'S ROW AREAThe Ryders Row Triangle, an inner-city area intersecting Ryder’s Row, Capel Street, and Parnell Street, presents a vivid case study of the complex interplay… THE SAME BUT DIFFERENTZabou is a French street artist who now calls London home. She's a master of large-scale, realistic murals, and her style is instantly recognisable. Her work… THE SCRIBBLE GRID IN ACTIONhe scribble grid, also known as a doodle grid or lazy grid, is a clever technique used by artists, especially muralists, to scale up a design from a small… THE WATERFORD NORTH QUAYS URBAN…I first explored the area in 2018 and in August 2024 I revisited the are as I had hoped that the project would be close to completion and I encountered some… THIS CONE MAY NOT BE A SCULPTUREThe cone-shaped monument on Hennessy's Road is a compelling piece of public art with a clear, likely purpose. My follow up research confirms that its location… THIS WATER FEATURE MAY HAVE BEEN…Usually when I photographed this it is/was in poor condition and while it was in reasonable condition there was a lot of debris in the water. In July 2018 it… TODAY I USED A FUJIFILM GFX100RFThe observation that the Fujifilm GFX100RF performs exceptionally well in bright sun but falters in dull or overcast conditions is entirely correct and… TODAY I USED A LEICA Q3Volvo manufactures the heavy-duty truck chassis that are widely used as large tow trucks and heavy recovery vehicles across the European market. While Volvo… TODAY I USED A SONY A1 MkIISony's Dependability: This perception is rooted in its advanced technology. The predictive AI autofocus, high-speed sensor, and clinical perfection of G Master… TWO 2017 MURALS THAT DID NOT…For over a decade, Waterford has engaged in a quiet, colourful revolution. Through the annual Waterford Walls festival, Ireland's oldest city has systematically…
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WARRIORAyelet Lalor is a distinguished Irish sculptor renowned for her evocative and stylised explorations of the female form. Working from her Dublin base, she has… WARRIORAyelet Lalor is a distinguished Irish sculptor renowned for her evocative and stylised explorations of the female form. Working from her Dublin base, she has… WARRIOR BY AYELET LALORLalor, who works from her Dublin base, is renowned for her evocative, stylised explorations of the female form. She has forged a significant career mastering… WaterFeatureAugust2017Usually when I photographed this it is/was in poor condition and while it was in reasonable condition there was a lot of debris in the water. In July 2018 it… WATER FEATURE JULY 2018The site has acted as a unique canvas for the city's evolving identity, hosting three distinct fountains. The journey from an ornate Victorian monument of the… WATER FEATURE JULY 2018The site has acted as a unique canvas for the city's evolving identity, hosting three distinct fountains. The journey from an ornate Victorian monument of the… WATERFORD AUGUST 2017During my visit, a gentleman I encountered placed his hand on my camera lens and accused me of supporting anti-social behaviour by photographing street art. He… WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FORKitsune Jolene, a Belgian muralist, is a significant figure in contemporary street art, celebrated for her emotional, narrative-driven works. Her 2023…