IndieCork Film Festival
PIGSY screening: IndieCork Film Festival
After a very busy time in London at The Other Art Fair (with an awesome response to my work) it was on to Cork this weekend for the IndieCork Film Festival.
Mike Andrews short film Pigsy, featuring you know who, was screened twice. First on Saturday as part of the Irish Shorts programmes and then again on Sunday as part of Urban October.
Once again it was great to see the film on the big screen and well done to Mike - that’s 3 film festivals that it has been chosen to be screened at.
Click here to view the PIGSY short film
36 hours in Bristol
Bristol we will be back!
Banksy in Bristol
36 hours was not enough. After leaving our house at 4am for our flight to Bristol we hit the ground running when we landed in Bristol going straight in to the city, stopping off for breakfast (in Pinkman’s Bakery) and then on to a museum before rocking up at 11am for a Street Art Walking Tour that I had booked on line. However, the most exciting thing was that we happened upon our very first Banksy in the wild literally as we walked along the road as we looked for somewhere to have breakfast. Just brilliant!
Bristol Independent Film Festival
After the walking tour (it was excellent) we got to our hotel by 2pm and checked in. I had booked a superior suite so we had access to the executive suite where we had time for a relaxing drink before we got a taxi to the stunning Everyman Theatre for the Bristol Independent Film Festival where the Pigsy documentary was being screened. We saw some excellent films and when the festival finished we made our way to the very cool Quay St. Diner for dinner. The theatre itself that the festival was on in was a stunning 1920’s art deco cinema building.
Bristol Bus Tour & another Banksy
Then on Sunday we had a leisurely breakfast before making our way to the nearest bus stop to get out on an open top bus for a tour all over the city and even out to Brunel’s suspension bridge which we were very interested in seeing. After the bus tour we took a walk down the docks and visited the M Shed Museum which was very interesting and we got to see another Banksy - the one that he painted on the side of the Thekla boat. At this point we had enough walking so w.e went over to the little arthouse Watershed Cinema where we took in the Polish movie “Cold War”. After the film it was off to Spitfire for wings before we got on the bus back to the airport for our flight home to Ireland.
Phew we did so much!
All in all, we thought Bristol was a cool chilled out hip city and we look forward to returning again.
Here’s a few pics from the weekend
Getting set for my next showing
Art Show Preparation
I've lots of work to get done in order to get ready for my next showing as part of The Other Art Fair London. Flights & accommodation are booked and now I have to organise shipping of my art.
Curator Kemp
Before I could make shipping arrangements the final selection of art needed to be made. There is only one man who can make that final selection and that is curator Kemp.
Kemp called yesterday and spent the afternoon looking at the pieces that I had selected for the show. He is honest, critical and doesn't hold back - which is exactly what I need.
Kemp curating with the assistance of Bones
So now that the final selection is made, I got down to laying out the fair space and deciding what piece goes where.
Virtual art layout
So with final selection made, along with the decision how it will be hung, the next thing is for the info sheet to be completed which outlines each piece and gives the background on each one - again this is for the main man - curator Kemp! Watch this space......
For info about The Other Art Fair and for details on complimentary tickets, click here.
I look forward to seeing you at the fair - look out for me on stand no. 99!
"Pigsy" screening at the Bristol Independent Film Festival
“Pigsy” Official Selection at the Bristol Independent Film Festival 2018
Mike Andrews short film "Pigsy" will be screened as part of the Bristol Independent Film Festival on the 15th - 16th of September.
Watch the film to see artist PIGSY and his life with dyslexia.
PIGSY film is now online!
"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
Christmas is coming....
Christmas Gifts for Art Lovers
Christmas is coming and we are all beginning to think of gifts for our loved ones. Most of us have that one hard to buy for person in our life. They are generally someone who has everything and they cause lots of stress as we fret over what to get them.
Worry no more, as I have the perfect suggestions of what to buy for the hard to buy for.
ART!
Who doesn't love art? And even if someone has lots of art they always want more!
So if you make the decision to buy art this Christmas do check out my online store.
Or get in contact with me and we can arrange a convenient time for you to call to my house and have a look at a particular piece that you have an interest in. I will serve mince pies and mulled wine (well it is Christmas!) while you peruse my work.
Prints!
Send me an email if you want to have a look at my artwork and remember I also sell limited edition prints!
"Nostalgia's Not What it Was" Fumbally Exchange
PIGSY Solo Exhibition
“Nostalgia’s Not What it Was” , Fumbally Exchange, Dublin
Here's a few photos from my recent exhibition "Nostalgia's Not What it Was" in Fumbally Exchange in early October 2017. This was the second PIGSY solo show after the sell out success of my first one the year previously in The Kemp Gallery on South Frederick Street.
“Nostalgia’s Not What it Was” was held over 4 days and nights in Fumbally Exchange on Dame Lane, Dublin. Each night of the exhibition was themed slightly differently and catered for different audiences.
PIGSY Opening Night: Thursday 5th October 2017
Opening night was a busy affair. There was a large attendance and there was a brilliant buzz about my art with most of it selling out on the first night. Most guests had been at my previous solo show and were on the guest list. Manning the front door were twins Enid and Amy in their matching PIGSY branded t-shirts and they gave everyone a friendly greeting as they arrived. Extra to the guest list attendees there was also lots of drop in’s as Dame Lane is a busy street and people passing by could see the art and so they wanted to get in on the PIGSY action and have a look at the art too. For this event, I served prosecco along with a red and white wine offering (thanks to Pembroke wines). Irish craft beer makers Hope Beer also were in attendance and they brought along their tasty beers which went down a treat with my guests.
Street Night: Friday 6th October 2017
This was an edgier event than opening night. I had advertised it on Facebook and the guests that signed up to attend were more alternative to those who visited on the first night. I had a DJ playing a full set for the evening and again Hope Beer served beers to the crowd. Word spread fast and there was large amount of attendees. The vibe was very positive and the response to my art was phenomenal with loads of people sharing images on to social media which I always love!
Chilled out Art: Saturday 7th October 2017
The Saturday night event was far more mellow than the other nights. It was a case of playing a specially created playlist and serving wine to a select group of invited guests or guests who had already visited on the other nights but wanted to return to see the art in a quieter setting where they could get to talk to me about the artwork.
Family Day: Sunday 8th October 2017
Sunday being the last day of the event meant that it was beginning to wind down and the exhibition was on display from 12pm to 5pm. I had been promoting the last day on social media so I was being contacted from early on by people saying they had not got in over the weekend so they would call in on Sunday. Also my family had been invited in on this day and so some of them visited at different points over the day. I had laid on flasks of coffee and brunch style snacks for all who visited on Sunday and it was a really nice sociable day. At 5pm there was still people coming to the door of the gallery and viewing the art so in the end I closed the doors at 6pm and not at the earlier time as previously planned!
My forthcoming solo exhibition in Dublin!
"Nostalgia's Not What It Was"
Following on from his well received debut show, artist Pigsy now presents a new body of work "Nostalgia's Not What It Was", opening on Thursday 5th October at 6pm in Fumbally Exchange, Dame Lane, Dublin 2.
Ciarán McCoy is Pigsy. As Ciarán McCoy, he works as a partner in the renowned architectural practice ODKM Architect in Dublin City centre. As Pigsy, he releases himself from the disciplined nature of architecture to create free flowing expressionist art.
Pigsy started to create from a young age by using chalks on both the playground and the blackboards at school to pass the time between classes. He has added a multitude of painting media to his palette since then but still incorporates chalk use in most of his pieces as a nod to these formative methods.
Evolution of Childhood
This body of work is all about moving forward as a person and deals with he evolution of childhood friendships, old haunts and activities from childhood and the difficulties experienced throughout schooling because of his dyslexia.
“Nostalgia's Not What It Was", is an idea that I’ve been working on for a while" says Pigsy "I believe it's best to live in the moment and not give over too much space in our mind to useless non-positive thoughts that prevent us from seeing our true potential and this has been the inspiration behind the exhibition"
Curated by KEMP
The exhibition is curated by KEMP, the man behind the urban and street art themed the KEMP Gallery and an artist in his own right.
"I'm both excited and honoured to be working with Pigsy again" says KEMP. "I love the honesty in his painting. It's very accessible even though there's a depth and complexity to it, which is very rare. I'm looking forward to sharing these new pieces with the public"
Hope Beer
Drinks will be provided at this exhibition by Hope Beer, an independent craft brewery based in Howth Co. Dublin, who are fantastic supporters of art and artists.
The exhibition runs from the 5th to the 8th October 2017
Pigsy's Secret is out as new show opens!
The Irish Times reports on PIGSY’s second Solo Art Exhibtion
Great write up in The Irish Times today about my forthcoming art show which is opening in Fumbally Exchange on 5th of Oct at 6pm
“He may design glorious light-filled extensions, classy conversions and one-off dream pads by day, but he’s also got dual identity, as street artist, Pigsy.
Of course these days, the term “street art” defines a style, rather than implying he’s out there after dark daubing on walls so consider McCoy’s work in the vein of the type of street art shown in Dublin’s KEMP Gallery”
PIGSY Solo Exhibition: Hard copy invites hot off the presses!
PIGSY Art Exhibition Invites
As well as a soft copy invite for my forthcoming exhibition, I made the decision to print a batch of invites also. Old school, I know, but I do think people like to pick up and read info in hard copy format still.
Dublin Art Show - the second solo exhibition of PIGSY
"Nostalgia's not what it was" opens on 5th of October 2017 in The Fumbally Exchange in Dame Lane, Dublin 2 at 6-9pm.
Running for 4 days and curated by Kemp of The Kemp Gallery, my exhibition gives you the opportunity to view my work in different settings including a fun "Street Night" on Friday 6-9pm with a DJ and premium craft beers which are provided by Dublin based brewery Hope Beer.
Additionally the show will be open 10am - 9pm Thursday to Saturday and also Sunday 11am- 4pm, 5th to 8th of October 2017.
When: Thursday, 5th of October 6-9pm
Where: Fumbally Exchange, 5 Dame Lane, Dublin City
Email: pigsy.art@gmail.com
"Nostalgia's Not What It Was" Opening Night @ Fumbally Exchange 5th Oct 2017
PIGSY Solo Exhibition in Fumbally Exchange, Dublin City
“Nostalgia’s Not What it Was” by PIGSY
My solo exhibition "Nostalgia's not what it was" opens on 5th of October 2017 in The Fumbally Exchange in Dame Lane, Dublin 2 at 6-9pm.
Running for 4 days and curated by Kemp of The Kemp Gallery, my exhibition gives you the opportunity to view my work in different settings including a fun "Street Night" on Friday 6-9pm with a DJ and premium craft beers which are provided by Dublin based brewery Hope Beer.
Additionally the show will be open 10am - 9pm Thursday to Saturday and also Sunday 11am- 4pm, 5th to 8th of October 2017.
Email pigsy.art@gmail.com for further info or to get on the list for the opening party or street night.
When: Thursday, 5th of October 6-9pm
Where: Fumbally Exchange, 5 Dame Lane, Dublin City
Email: pigsy.art@gmail.com
See you there!
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.
Lanes of Dublin - filming PIGSY short film
Feeling inspired - painting in the back lanes of Dublin
I have a fascination for lanes. I misspent my youth down lanes, kicking footballs and playing with my friends along with drawing in chalk on lane walls.
Now as an adult and an architect I am interested in what gets built down lanes. Mews houses are a big part of the Dublin architectural landscape and I am fortunate to be currently working on a project which is exploring the feasibility of a mews house on a particular lane way site.
This Friday I went back to my childhood, with film maker Mike Andrews, and set up a chalkboard in a Rathmines lane and got working. Mike is a documentary maker so at this point all I will say is "Watch this space".........
Lane way painting
I was in the mood to paint and being outside in a lane was inspiring. I painted and Mike filmed. He was pleased with his results and I was very happy too!
EDIT 2018 - To view the PIGSY film, click here
Miro in Mallorca
Miro Museum in Mallorca
Recently I visited Mallorca staying on Calle Mayor in an AirBnB.
We stayed in a stand alone unit that I rented through AirBnB. A few doors down from our rental was the Fundacion Pilar i Joan Miro which encompasses Miro's two studios and an art museum.
Miro Studio, Mallorca
The whole Miro Museum complex was so amazing that we visited 3 times during our week's holiday. It has an extensive collectin of Miro art and you can also visit the studio Miro painted in which is on the site as this was the original location of his studio.
Here's a pic to whet your appetite! If you would like to see more pics, click here to read Enid's blog.
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.
Car Sharing - the perfect way to move art
Car Clubs - Car Sharing, what flexibility!
I signed up for GoCar the other day.
It's a car sharing website that gives you access to cars and vans at an hourly rate. There are many car bases local to me but it is the GoVans that I am most interested in. I regularly need access to a van for a short while to either buy canvas in Evans or to deliver paintings to new owners. GoCar seems like a perfect fit for my needs.
Currently it's only €10 to sign up for membership so it's a good time to sign up and give it a try out. Membership of Go Car gives you access to a variety of vehicles (including vans) along with insurance, fuel and also free parking in Dublin City Centre. It’s a good deal!
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.
The Kemp Gallery @ Gallery X
Kemp & Gallery X
The KEMP Gallery has announced it's return and relocation to 65 South William Street, Dublin 2, in a space that will be shared with their new host - GalleryX.
GalleryX is a new player in Dublin's gallery scene, specialising in figurative and surrealist art, "so the potential synergy attained by working out of the same premises was impossible to refuse" explained curator Kemp.
The KEMP Gallery @ GalleryX intends to continue showcasing urban/street art to the Irish public and looks forward to the continued love and support of their sponsors, art fans, family and friends.
MAY Exhibition - The KEMP Gallery @ GalleryX will be kicking off the new arrangement on May 11th with a new exhibition by the much heralded Shane Sutton (www.shanesutton.com).
2017 Schedule - A further 3 exhibitions are planned for the calendar year, including brand new work from curator KEMP in late September.
This is very much a WATCH THIS SPACE situation and I for one am very excited to what comes of this new collaboration.
Good Luck to The Kemp Gallery @ Gallery X!
Peggy Guggenheim Art Collection Venice Italy
A visit to Peggy Guggenheim’s Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, Venice
Day one of our Venice trip was for Architecture while day two was for art.
We had an early breakfast and made our way to Palazzo Venier dei Leoni where Peggy Guggenheim lived and is now a museum.
There was a large queue when we arrived at 9.30am, even though the museum doesn't open until 10am. When it did open, it took a long time to process tickets and we got in at about 10.20am. The entrance fee is €15 and we paid an additional €7 for an audio tour.
Peggy Guggenheim: Art Collector, Supporter and Patron of Living Artists
Peggy Guggenheim is one of the most famous supporters and art collectors of modern art. She brought so many young artists to the attention of the world and without her support who knows what the art world would look like today. Samuel Beckett had told Peggy that one must support artists and it is best to buy paintings from living artists. Guggenheim certainly took this on board with one of her most famous painters that she collected being Jackson Pollock.
Guggenheim’s private collection is stunning and includes works by all of the modern 20th century art masters like Picasso, Mondrian, Kandinsky, Ernst, Chagar, Kli, Miró, Pollock, Brown Cousy, Dali, Magritte and Bacon
My blog musings won't do the collection any justice (it really is something you must go and see yourself) so to that end I give you this Jackson Pollock picture that I photographed in the Peggy Guggenheim museum.
Not only is this an incredible permant exhibition of art, the setting is fairly sensational too. It’s my number one must-visit attraction while you are visiting Venice.
Tips for visiting Peggy Guggenheim’s Palazzo Venier dei Leoni in Venice
Arrive early before the ticket line builds up (if you haven’t bought tickets online)
Probably best to buy tickets online from the official Peggy Guggenheim website when making a plan to visit
Buy the audio guide
Note the closing times, and make sure you give yourself at the very least 90 mins to 2 hours + to see everything before the museum closes
Plan your visit: check out the website to see what temporary exhibitions are on view and make sure you go see these aswell as the permanent exhibitions
Some of the rooms can be very busy so leave the backpack in the hotel
Nasher Sculpture Gardens are the area around the museum - make sure you have time to visit them too.
Prepare to be wowed!
Peggy Guggenheim Museum Location & contact details:
Palazzo Venier dei Leoni
Dorsoduro 701
I-30123 Venice
tel: +39 041 2405 411
e-mail: info@guggenheim-venice.it
Architectural Tour of Venice
To see more of my Venice travels, click my previous blog to read about the Venice Architectural tour that I did where I visited the works of Architect Carlo Scarpa