Dublin Canvas get creativity flowing in the Liberties

The Dublin Canvas art project takes unused public space and turns it to colourful artworks that brighten up the Liberties.

The project boasts the slogan “Less grey, more play”, and artists from all around take part in the project to bring art to the Streets of Dublin. 

Megan Hyland, a local artist artist involved in the project talked to the Liberty about her artwork, titled ‘The Heart of the Liberties’.

 “My box is all about the market traders of Meath Street and Thomas Street which is the street intersection where the box is based,” Megan said.

“I love living in the Liberties and seeing the traders go about their day,” she said. “It’s one of the last pieces of Dublin that has remained truly for the locals by the locals.” 

“If the Liberties is the heart of Dublin then Meath Street is the heart of the Liberties. I thought it would only be right to champion the market trade of the area,” she added.

Pablo Pineda-Vadillo from north Spain worked on a box in Cork Street titled ‘Rainbow In Ireland.’

Regarding his work, Pablo said: “It was around the date when the LGBT parade takes place. The rainbow came to my mind and I did some sketches with a big hand uncovering some jail bars and letting the rainbow colors pop up as a sign of freedom.”

His art was also inspired by “the idea of how the rainbow appears so intense in Ireland after a storm,” and he “wanted to give the message that after the storm always comes the sun.”

“I think it adds positivity through the color, an opportunity for local people to start talking about art because they have looked at it when waiting at the traffic lights,” he said. 

“I think [the art] is a little seed for spreading little actions in people, like kids were coming while I was painting and I would tell them to have fun drawing, to never give up and do what they like.”

“I encourage the D8 community to promote this type of projects involving all ages, to paint indoors and outdoors, create links between everyone,” he added.

Nessa Finnegan, a Berlin based artist and designer originally from Dublin designed and painted three electrical boxes for Dublin Canvas. 

Regarding her work, Nessa said: “My aim with the box in Dublin 8 was to create a cheerful pop of colour with a nod to vintage pattern design. I wanted to make something that felt nostalgic and familiar, reminding me of 1960s patterns I remember seeing in my grandparents houses when I was a child.”

Nessa’s piece, titled ‘Blaith, Blaith Blaith’ is located on James’ Street. 

“I hope the piece creates a little moment of extra colour and happiness to an already deadly D8!” 

“The Dublin Canvas project has been hugely supportive of new designers, artists and illustrators in Dublin. A simple idea with a big impact that connects the community,” Nessa said. 

“It was an amazing opportunity to get to know people who live or work in Dublin 8.”