Waterford Walls 2018

Waterford Walls

Once again the streets of Waterford became an art gallery as the Waterford Walls festival brought in another 48 works that transformed the look of the city. I had a few days to catch a glimpse of some artists, and enjoyed the completed work when I returned from my trip.

Youri Cansell, aka Mantra (France), is famous for his nature-themed works, but for this festival he painted an image of street artist. What a thoughtful gift! I hope it has a long life – it is already loved here. You see a gentleman in my picture enjoy mimicking the painted artist. The work is sponsored by Ambassador of France in Ireland.

Here are some links to my previous Waterford Walls posts : 2015, 2016, 2017. Ah, and some more 🙂 Now I will take you around our ‘art gallery’.

Kevin Bohan  is a full time artist and illustrator based in Dublin ( Kevin Bohan Arts). If you open my 2017 link, there is a picture of his mural, The Love Hearts.

This time, Kevin is painting a Rainbow Serpent, freehand. He says the wall will guide him.

Kevin advises me to come again Sunday and have my hand painted as part of the mural. He explains that the mural is a collaboration project that will include the artworks of two national school students.

I show up Sunday ( wouldn’t miss the chance) and lovely Sarah assists me with the hand painting.

The mural is sponsored by the Australian Embassy in Dublin ( Kevin used the aboriginal painting techniques in this work).

Finished work.

Several mural artists share Stephen street, it is why I like to come here. Toronto/Dubai based artist Fathima Mohiuddin, aka Fats Patrol, is working next to Kevin.

All geared up.

Fats is painting this bold and fearless owl for a reason. It represents female energy and connection between the nature and human spirit. Fats is currently pursuing a diploma in Art Therapy in Toronto.

The finished work.

Irish artist Lisa Murphy.

Shuk, graffiti artist from Ireland. Harsh midday shadows added the silhouette at the bottom of the painting 🙂

RASK (Ireland) and Bo Pedersen (Denmark) teamwork.

While I was hanging around taking pictures, Bo was working away and minding his own business.  A disputatious elderly man approached him and started to challenge his knowledge of art and purpose of graffiti. When (quite arrogantly) asked about his education, Bo replied that he actually has a degree in Arts. The man was stunned. “Then you are more educated than I” he exclaimed in disbelief, and left visibly deflated. Graffiti rocks 🙂

The finished wall.

Louise McKenna (Ireland).

Louis Masai is a painter, sculptor, illustrator and street artist based in London. He is best known for his vivid murals of patchwork animals.

The finished work.

Graciela Goncalves Da Silva, aka Animalitoland, Argentina. She is a self taught illustrator and graphic designer, second time painting at the Waterford Walls.

Garreth Joyce, Graphic artist based in Dublin.

Louis Boirdon and Edouard Egea, aka MonkeyBird (France), a street team sharing their self-created mythology (the monkey stands for realism, the bird for dreams). The Castle on the Cliff – a fascinating stencil creation is the duo’s gift to Waterford.

Wandering around the town I came across that guy who was painting over a still presentable mural, the work of the Mexican artist KINMX. He said the wall had been allocated for a new Joe Caslin’s work. I wondered if we were suddenly short of the old walls, but fair enough, the murals don’t live forever, and a quality work of a renowned artist is always a bonus. However, I started to worry about the Birdo’s work in the same location. And I was right to worry. Birdo’s work is no more. No comments.

Joe Caslin is using his murals for social change. I don’t know if you are familiar with his nearly identical mural I couldn’t say No. 

The Neon Waves mural by Dan Kitchener, aka DANK, is also painted over the last year’s work by DMC. It looks amazing. People still stop and stare at the neon beauty – rainy Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Another stunner is Eira and the White Tiger by Sonny, British-born artist from South Africa. We already have his Neon Tiger painted last year.

The Stop sign is real!

A few more works in my reach. Spaceship by Shane Sutton Art.

Waterford Walls

Mr Cenz, based in London. New at Waterford Walls.

Lost Optics (Romania).

Our tour ends at the Waterford Walls HQ where UK based artist Peachzz is trying to set up an Octopus Lair.

The following day.

The other end of the lair. Looks fascinating.

Waterford Walls

The HQ building and the wall by Curtis Hylton. Thank you for visiting Waterford Walls festival!

Well, it was a huge post, hope you were not too tired walking with me. If you still have energy left after our excursion, please visit and enjoy Resa McConaghy’s blog Graffiti Lux and Murals

 

 Have a wonderful weekend!

128 comments

  5. Oh my goodness. These are so amazing. I loved the MonkeyBird, the Neon Waves, and the White Tiger one. But they are all so cool. Thanks for sharing, Inese. 🙂

  6. Splendid! Thank you so much. 🙂
    I love it when public officials actually DO something useful:
    1) Give an outlet to promising artists
    2) Bring beauty to the town!
    😉

    1. Wonderful! Check on the map : Apple market, New St Garden, Stephens St, Barrack St ( Butcher’s Lane), Mount Sion, Doyle St, the Glen, Thomas St, Thomas Hill, Distillery, O’Connell St, Vulcan St, Georges Court. Takes about an hour 🙂 If you walk this route, you will see the best works.

  13. This is one of my favorite blogs you preset every year. Totally loved the white tiger! Too bad they paint over all the beautiful art that is created. Thanks for doing this every year.

  18. Wow! Yes: Graffiti rocks !! Unbelievable what you can do with paint spray cans. Gorgeous art. Thanks for this fantastic trip, dear Inese !!

  19. As always I enjoyed your mural festival so much, Inese! Thanks for letting us be a part of it! They’re all beautiful and stunning but my absolute favourites this year are The Castle on the Cliff (souch details!) and the Neon Waves. And now your hand is part of the art too!! Awesome! 😄 Have a wonderful Sunday! xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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