Squash Soldiers
“Squash Soldiers” by PIGSY an artwork about the game of squash by PIGSY
A large scale artwork about the competition of squash playing, now on display in Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club
“Squash Soldiers”
Kemp writes about the latest Pigsy piece, a large scale art work that is now on display in the Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club in Dublin, Ireland.
In his latest and largest art piece created to date, PIGSY presents us with “Squash Soldiers”, a study of the benefits of undertaking a competitive practise. This is illustrated through squash, a sport that the artist has played at a high level since his youth.
Competition in Sport
The main two figures in the piece represent the “professional” and the “amateur” player and the connection between their relative ambitions. PIGSY afford both forms an equal billing in the painting to illustrate that the standard you play at is not as important as the benefits accrued from the participation.
The artist speaks of the unspoken bond formed by the repetition of a mutual experience, the achievement of a personal set of goals and the feel good factor achieved by a participatory role as far more beneficial than merely “being good” or “winning trophies”
Equality & Inclusivity in sport
As is usual in his work, the piece is flush with metaphor. The ghostly audience represent the standard bearers of the sport looking on. Both a left and right handed player can be seen either side of the painting to symbolise equality and inclusivity.
Finally, the artist’s perennial fascination with the functions of the brain are dotted throughout the work. The piece is gridded out to represent a squash court but also the eight parts of the brain that are utilised during a competitive pursuit.
Art Mug
“Squash Soldiers” is now available on a printed enamel mug from the PIGSY merchandise store. Contact me to find out more….
Edit - Feb 2022
Squash Soldiers available as a limited edition print!
Squash Soldiers is available as a framed limited edition print. The print has a bespoke custom frame designed by Ciaran McCoy. It makes a great gift - contact me for further info.
Pigsy in the Designyard, Dublin City
Designyard Gallery Dublin: Showcasing the Best of Irish Design & Craft
When it comes to celebrating the finest Irish design and craftsmanship, Designyard Gallery in Dublin stands out as a must-visit destination. Located on South Frederick Street, this gallery is a treasure trove of unique and extraordinary pieces of art, jewelry, and design. Whether you're a local or a tourist, stepping into Designyard offers a chance to experience the best of Irish contemporary design and craftsmanship in one of the most iconic art spaces in Dublin.
Discover Iconic Irish Art at Designyard
Among the many stunning artworks on display, one piece that stands out is "The Extra-Ordinary Crucified for You" by Pigsy. This large, striking artwork commands attention, and while photos can provide a glimpse, nothing compares to seeing it in person. The intricate details and bold statement of this piece embody the spirit of contemporary Irish sculpture and modern art.
Why Visit Designyard Gallery in Dublin?
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for a unique gift, Designyard offers something for everyone. From traditional Irish craftsmanship to cutting-edge design, the gallery showcases a diverse range of pieces that represent the heart and soul of Irish art culture. Designyard not only highlights established artists but also nurtures emerging talent, creating a dynamic and ever-changing collection.
A Unique Experience of Irish Craft
When you visit the Designyard Gallery, you'll find a rich selection of jewelry, ceramics, glass, textiles, and fine art sculptures. Each item is carefully selected for its creativity, innovation, and connection to Irish heritage. The gallery’s collection is a testament to the enduring popularity and excellence of Irish craft design, showcasing both timeless and contemporary works. Whether you're looking for one-of-a-kind jewelry or a statement sculpture, Designyard is a must-see destination for anyone interested in Irish design.
Meet Pigsy: The Artist Behind "The Extra-Ordinary Crucified for You"
One of the standout pieces at Designyard is the thought-provoking and visually stunning "The Extra-Ordinary Crucified for You" by the artist Pigsy. This sculpture, with its larger-than-life presence, pushes boundaries and challenges perceptions. The work is a remarkable example of modern Irish art that blends powerful symbolism with an innovative, contemporary approach.
Pigsy’s work invites viewers to explore deeper meanings and interpretations, making it an unforgettable part of the gallery’s collection. Whether you are an art connoisseur or simply appreciate unique and thought-provoking pieces, Pigsy's art will leave a lasting impression on you.
Why Should You Visit Designyard for Pigsy's Work?
Seeing Pigsy's "The Extra-Ordinary Crucified for You" in person is an experience that should not be missed. The scale, emotion, and craftsmanship of this piece make it one of the most captivating works on display at the gallery. When you visit, don't forget to tell the team at Designyard that Pigsy sent you!
More Than Just a Gallery: The Heart of Irish Design
Designyard is more than just a place to buy art; it’s a hub for Irish craftsmanship and design innovation. It offers visitors an opportunity to connect with the Irish design community and discover unique pieces that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Ireland. If you're looking for authentic handcrafted jewelry, ceramic art, or distinctive modern sculptures, Designyard is the ultimate place to find extraordinary creations that can’t be found anywhere else.
Plan Your Visit to Designyard Gallery
If you’re planning a trip to Dublin or live in the city, make sure to include Designyard Gallery in your itinerary. Located on South Frederick Street, the gallery is easily accessible and offers an immersive experience of Irish contemporary art. Don’t forget to take the time to explore the diverse collections on offer, including works by Pigsy and other celebrated artists.
For further details on current exhibitions, visiting hours, and available pieces, click here. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or new to the world of Irish design, Designyard promises an enriching and inspiring visit.
Explore More of Irish Art and Design
Designyard is proud to showcase some of the best contemporary Irish designers and artists. From limited-edition prints to artisan-crafted homeware, there’s always something new to discover at the gallery. Immerse yourself in the creativity and craftsmanship that define Ireland’s vibrant art scene.
Conclusion: Designyard Gallery - Your Destination for Irish Design and Craft
In the heart of Dublin, Designyard Gallery is a destination where Irish design meets artistic excellence. Whether you're admiring Pigsy's awe-inspiring sculptures or browsing through the latest handcrafted jewelry, Designyard offers a window into the best of Irish creativity. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience this unique gallery and the remarkable pieces it holds. Visit Designyard today and discover the exceptional work of Ireland’s finest designers and artists.
Expressing myself: What I'm working on.....painting about Irish legends
Art Inspiration: Irish Legends
Fionn Macool
I’m currently working on a piece based on an old legend of Ireland. It is about Fionn Macool the leader of the Na Fianna warriors. The painting features Bran and Sceolang, Fionn’s two dogs and I am looking at the myth from a contemporary view and considering what Ireland needs saving from.
Art in situ
Art on Walls
It’s always amazing to see two things happen when a painting gets hung on a wall.
Transformation
The first thing that happens is that it completely transforms the whole space just by the simple action of putting a painting up. Then the second thing that happens is that the painting looks so completely different depending on where it is hung. and it also shouts out and appeals to people while it may not have before it was placed on the wall.
In regards to this, my advice would be to try art out. Hang pieces in different spots with different lighting and enjoy how they look and how you feel about them. It’s all subjective and down to personal taste so the main thing is how YOU feel about the art and whether YOU can live with it on your walls!
Art In-Situ
If you are an Art Collector, I’d advise you never rule out a piece until you see it in-situ or in a visualization of what it will look like in a particular space. Contact me for more details if you are interested.
Framed Art
When talking about hanging art on walls the question of frames always arise. Framing art can be very much about the preference of the art collector, the preference of the artist or the style of the house and the setting that the art will be hung in. The style of the art work is also important as some contemporary artworks look better unframed, or if they are going to be framed, care needs to be taken when choosing a frame to ensure that the frame is very subtle and does not interfere with the intention of the art. If you are interested in reading more about art framing, I’ve written extensively about framing art in another blog post - for more please see my art blog here.
The Other Art Fair - Interview with WinkBall Media
Winkball Media at the London Art Fair
Winkball interview with PIGSY about his art at the London Art Fair
Look out for me at 1.04 where I talk about my work!
"Pigsy" screening at the Galway Film Festival
PIGSY screens in Galway Film Festival
Mike Andrews' short film "Pigsy" will be screened as part of the Galway Film Festival on Sunday the 15th of July at midday. As part of an 8 Irish shorts screening, tickets are available on the festival website.
PIGSY short film on Youtube now
Edit - you can now watch the PIGSY film on Youtube or below
Upcoming exhibition in Gallery X
Group Show in Gallery X
The Cock & Pussy Manifesto
Currently I am working on my solo exhibition which opens in early October. My exhibition will consist of about 10 or 11 very large pieces.
If you can't wait til October to see my work you get the opportunity to see a small piece I painted that is part of a group exhibition that is opening in Gallery X on the 31st of August. See details of the exhibition here. Curated by Gallery owner Giovanni Guisti who explains that the art show “is meant as an attack on the shame that society makes us feel about what he believes are our most important bits” it features artworks by numerous artists of the male and female form.
PIGSY working on an artwork - creating a custom frame
The above pic is of me at work on the piece that I will be exhibiting. I am fabricating a custom frame for the artwork. The piece is a a take on Polaroid photos of a nude Jean-Michel Basquiat with me as the subject matter, go figure!
Gallery X is on 65 South William Street and the exhibition titled “The Cock & Pussy Manifesto” runs from 31st of Aug to the 22nd of September.
Here’s a picture of the exhibition - you can see the PIGSY painting on the wall behind Gallery Owner Giovanni Guisti. This PIGSY is the male nude to the right of the photo.
Where I buy my supplies....
Art Supplies in Dublin
In the past I have stretched my own canvas on to wooden frames. However, although cheaper than a ready stretched canvas, it is not one bit convenient. So currently I buy ready stretched canvas.
For canvas, I go to Evans on Capel Street.
My last expedition to Evans was on Saturday and I hired a GoCar van as the canvas I proposed buying would not fit in my Smart Car!!
Along with canvas, I buy oil sticks and brushes in Evans.
For other art supplies I visit Tiger and also sometimes hardware stores for domestic paint.
And finally I get my spray paint in All City Records where I have a browse at the vinyl when I visit which always makes for a fun trip that Enid likes to do with me.
Here's me on my most recent canvas buying expedition in the GoCar van.
Blast from the Past "Dad's Dublin"
“Dad’s Dublin” by Pigsy
Here's a painting of mine that I did a few years ago. It's called "Dad's Dublin" and the story behind it is that my Dad gave me the canvas. He had used it to start a painting of Dublin. I painted over his Dublin with my Dublin (you can see Liberty Hall to the right) and then gave it back to him as a gift.
The artwork is now hanging in my parent’s home - “Dad’s Dublin” in my Dad’s house.
3 Generational Exhibition
3 Generational Art Exhibition - Cabra Library
A few months ago my father asked me for a few pieces for an exhibition he was holding. He had made arrangements to exhibit in his local public library in Cabra and wanted to include my work, his work and also his grandchild's (my niece) work.
It was literally a 3 generational exhibition with work by a father, son and granddaughter.
I wrote up a small biography to my father's specifications and during the exhibition this was circulated with further information about the three of us.
The exhibition went well. There was no official launch but there were lots of great comments in the visitors book.
If you are interested in my niece's work you can click here to view her youtube channel.