Street art adds colour to the streets of Limerick

Zeus sleeps? … street art near King John’s Castle, Limerick (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2017)

Patrick Comerford

Walking around Limerick, I regularly find myself stopping and being both startled surprised at one and the same time as I come face-to-face with yet another unexpected work of street art.

Many of the works are part of an art project Draw Out Initiative, turning bare walls into larger than life works of art, and street artists from around the world are involved.

This street art breathes colour and fresh life into many vacant and abandoned sites. These murals have popped up in recent years in Denmark Street, Ellen Street, Athlunkard Street, Anne Street and Little William Street.

This is a collection of some of my recent finds. But I know there is much more to confront, startle and surprise me.

Eyes Scream … on Castle Street (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2017)

For many visitors, this is the most eye-catching work of street art in Limerick. The screaming eyeballs and the aggressive cut of this figure on Castle Street are softened by the texture of the ice cream cone and the Hello Kitty tattoo adds a touch of humour.

This work opposite King John’s Castle is by the artists Smug and was commissioned for the Make a Move Festival.

Two make a team on Roches Street … ‘The Fishermen’ by Fintan Magee (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2017)

‘The Fishermen’ is a beautiful work by Fintan Magee on a building on Roches Street, Limerick. It is an inspirational work that can teach us all a lesson about co-operation.

Spectral Child’ on Thomas Street by Dermot McConaghy (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2017)

‘Spectral Child,’ by the artist Dermot McConaghy, is a haunting work in the Biodiversity Garden on Thomas Street.

Teardrop and inner beauty (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2017)

This sad face strikes me as an image of deep, inner beauty. The painting almost a real-life quality to it, and is almost photographic in its impact. Notice the hint of life-giving vibrant colour to the right.

Broken Heart … (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2017)

This appears to be a heart-breaking image, although it may also play on Catholic images of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Yet, for some reason, the sunrays appear to offer glimmers of hope and spoke of an open heart rather than a broken heart.

Together and yet apart … a gable end in Bank Place (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2017)

On a gable end on Bank Place, two like-minded painters from South London who work as Best Ever have created this opposing yet complimentary piece at Bank Place, Limerick.

Thinking alone … on Athlunkard Street (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2017)

What is she thinking about?

The wall continued … Island Street (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2017)

This seemingly abstract work at a prominent traffic junction actually plays on the nearby remains of the City Wall, as though it continued through this house and praising it as part of the colourful history of the city.

These nine works are just a taste of the vibrant street art in Limerick. I shall continue to be surprised and startled.