"Musings" by PIGSY
Punk Poetry: “Musings” by PIGSY
The meaning of life the universe and everything that is confusing and frustrating me
I try to understand
I seek solutions to problems that form within me
Created in my mind by me only
I can erase these can’t I? I created them
Working and Creating Art in times of Covid
Creativity during the Covid Crisis
Life goes on they say. And it is true, life does go on. Sometimes not life as we know it but life does go on.
Interruption
We can now see that Covid 19 has been the great disruptor of life in 2020 and has changed the face of the way we live. Plans have been changed or thwarted, livelihoods have been put on hold and personal agendas have been skewed. For example, one has to feel empathy for couples who had been planning 2020 weddings for the past few years who, if allowed to hold the wedding at all, must reduce attendees dramatically along with hosting a socially distanced shell of a ceremony, which has only a passing resemblance to what their original event was to be. But of course all of this all pales in to comparison knowing that there are families who have lost loved ones to this disease.
PIGSY Plans
For me, I had planned a much earlier move to Spain to paint fulltime. I originally intended to be fully moved by the end of March however lockdown in Dublin put paid to that plan and I eventually was able to travel and move out to Malaga by the end of July.
Additionally I had a showing planned in Los Angeles in April 2020. That also came to an end with the advent of Covid. Unbelievably at the beginning of March I was still under the illusion that this would take place. It took time to realise that Covid was going to interrupt most plans and there was not going to be live art showings for sometime.
Every October for the past 5 years I’ve held a large solo PIGSY exhibition or event. This year not so. Again it is all thanks to Covid. But as I said at the top, life goes on. I’ve already been approached with a proposal for a showing in February 2021 here in Malaga in Spain and so I will begin to work towards that. I’ve also been really busy doing loads of other arty and creative work (particularly in regards to the business end of things). Life goes on and the art business does too!
Archiving Art Success
The business end of being an artist is definitely not as fun as the creative part but it is crucial. Over the years I’ve created and amassed a large amount of art (I paint fast!) in many different formats including sculptures and 2D works. Archiving all of these pieces is so important and it is something that you need to commit a lot of time to. Now that I am working full time as an artist I have the time to give over to archiving my work and am bringing my archive fully up to date. Coupled with the fact that I am now working more so therefore creating more work so again this reiterates how important it is to stay on top of this element of work.
Art Website Work
Again this is more of the business end of being a professional artist but in this evermore globalised and connected world it is so important for artists to have an up to date website which showcases their work. I started to redesign my website back in March when Ireland went in to lockdown. Now I am working on adding and updating content (blogs, video and artwork) along with setting up the PIGSY merchandise store and also doing some work on SEO etc.
Art Studio Time
Of course the biggest thing that a professional artist needs to do is work in the studio in order to create a body of work. It can sometimes be hard to fit that in here in Malaga with everything that is going on and all of the other work that needs to be done. Also on top of all of this I am learning to speak Spanish so I need to do work on that too!
But days are long here. I found that working the 9 to 5 is probably not the best thing. Here days start early with businesses opening early and then closing for a long lunch and then reopening in the late afternoon and staying open much later than back home in Ireland.
We have got in to a nice groove of going for an early coffee and then doing some business work with me heading to the studio from about 3pm until 8pm. And then we eat dinner about 9pm which is a big change from back in Ireland where we ate dinner much much earlier.
With my studio only being a short 5 minute walk from my apartment it all works out nicely and I get to paint and create loads. Within a very short time when I arrived, I was feeling reenergized and invigorated and have been making some awesome pieces - the light helps a lot!
Art Exhibition Planning
I’m always aiming towards my next exhibition and now having a date in early 2021 for the next PIGSY showing I have plenty of work to do. As well as creating a body of work for the exhibition there is all tof he incidentals additional to an event that needs to be planned. My last large scale event was the PIGSY Art & film Screening in Fitzwilliam. I always like to think about extra details for my events and at this event I created a signature cocktail “The Pigtail” which was enjoyed by all of my guests along with extra special canapes created by the club chef. Watch this space to see what I come up with for February 2021!!
Art Marketing and Promotion
I’ve been working on my PIGSY art brand for many years now and luckily there is huge brand awareness in regards to my art. This is essential at all times but definitely more so in a time like this. My style and brand is extremely distinctive and very recognizable. I have built a large following of collectors of my work over the past few years and they appreciate hugely what I do and will want to see what I am up to and what I next produce. I am so very grateful to all of them and love sharing my work with them. I also love to introduce my work to those who are not familiar with the art work of PIGSY - it is through my brand that I can do this during these times of Covid.
PIGSY Art Merchandise
I have been designing a range of “art wear” products featuring my art over the past few months. It was something that I wanted to do for a long time as I’ve always thought that many of my edgier artworks would work really well on T-Shirts but also because I have been asked by so many people if I would print my artwork on to merchandise. Well I always aim to please, particularly for fans of my work, so I launched a collection of PIGSY art products quietly last week on my website and it is great to see them selling now. The enamel outdoor cups, in particular, are proving to be very popular! If we weren’t living with Covid I would have been able to hold a large scale launch party similar to some of my past exhibition openings with a DJ and cocktails and a large crowd invited to a live showing of the “art wear” pieces in the collection. But for now a virtual launch did the trick with the t-shirts, bags and mugs available to buy by contacting me in order to make a special order.
Keep going and stay positive
As I started out saying in this blog, life goes on. As we can see Covid has brought great disruption but it has also brought positive changes. Families have got to spend more time with each other, we have learnt to bake bread and we have looked out for and helped each other.
Stay strong and keep going
This will end and we will prevail. Let’s support each other, shop local and support the arts (it’s never been more important for us to create at this time) and remember Art always Helps!
"Sitting" by PIGSY
“Sitting” by PIGSY
Sitting in the same sit in the kitchen
took a hierarchy
Full Fridge
Come home make a ham, cheese,
lettuce, tomato and coleslaw roll,
Fresh bread from Clarke’s.
I sit in the same sit.
So did she.
Nicole King interview with PIGSY for Marbella Now
Marbella Now : Nicole King interviews PIGSY
Hosted by Nicole King, “Marbella Now” is the go to TV show on Marbella Radio & TV to find out about everything that is happening on the Spanish Costa de Sol.
Given my recent move from Ireland to Malaga, I was delighted to be invited to be a guest on Nicole’s show to talk all about my art.
The interview was filmed last week in Marbella and broadcast today.
It was fun to see behind the scenes of a TV station and how it all works - Enid my manager (and wife) especially enjoyed seeing all of the workings and was very happy to be allowed to watch the interview being filmed backstage. She even got a selfie at the end with myself and TV show host Nicole King.
Behind the scenes pics
Super TV Staff
All of the TV studio staff were so welcoming and professional, from the back room staff that I had been emailing leading up to the interview, to the amazing Anna Scott from The Makeup Room, studio staff on the day and of course the lovely Nicole King! Thanks also to Sam and Anita.
Talking Art
It was great to see Pigsy artworks on the screen while I talk during the interview. You can also see I wore my new Fontaines DC t-shirt that Enid’s mother kindly sent over to me from Ireland - it looks cool on the TV screen ;-)
All in all a fun day out with a pleasant journey from Malaga to Marbella. I always enjoy chatting about my art and I hope you all enjoy watching the interview!
Studio Visit
If you are in Malaga make sure and get in contact and visit me in my studio to see more of my expressionist work including the recently completed (and massive!!) “Seven Spanish Angels”!
Got "Merch"?!
It’s here! The PIGSY Art Merchandise range is launched!
Are you looking for unique Irish art gifts for family and friends this Christmas?
The “PIGSY Art Wear” collection is now available to order on my website. Products range from t-shirts to tote bags and also include a special edition of the large scale art piece “Squash Soldiers” (on display in Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club, Dublin) printed on an enamel camping mug.
Each “Art Wear” piece is printed with a PIGSY artwork selected by me. Some of the original artworks are now sold out and no longer available to buy. However, by selecting a product from the range you can enjoy the art piece every day when you wear a t-shirt or drink from the coffee mug with art being integrated in to your life.
PIGSY Art Mugs
Two enamel camping mugs have initially been designed for the collection, One features the artwork “Squash Soldiers” as a print on it while the other is printed with “Cyberpunks”. The vibrant enamel cup is perfect for use in the outdoors (could be great for next year’s festival season) and can be carried in a backpack without the risk of breaking. No matter what pastimes you like, this is the mug for you. It’s practically unbreakable so is fantastic for taking it out on your boat or on hiking trips and it is way more environmentally friendly to use it over a festival weekend rather than drinking from throw away plastic cups. Additionally the squash player design on the “Squash Soldiers” cup makes it the ideal gift for squash players and it would even make a great gift for your squash coach on their birthday or at Christmas!
PIGSY Art T-Shirts
I’ve chosen some of my popular and striking artworks that make a cool fashion statement vividly printed on a t-shirt. Both pieces pictured below were featured in my solo shows in Dublin, Ireland. Cyberpunks was part of the “No Nostalgia” exhibition in Fumbally Exchange, Dublin. The other artwork is “I Find you Fascinating” which was the centre piece artwork in the “I Find you Fascinating” Exhibition in The Kemp Gallery, Dublin. t-shirt
PIGSY Art Tote Bags!
The tote bags are proving to be popular pieces in this collection. They are eco-friendly and save the need to use plastic bags when shopping or going to the beach etc. A cloth bag is always a good option for carrying library books too. There are two tote bags available in this range - click here for further information about these items.
Shipping World wide
With world wide shipping , now is the time to start thinking of the approaching holidays and order Christmas Gifts or Stocking Stuffers for the art lovers in your life!
Shopping for art gifts
With lockdowns taking place all over the world there is higher volumes of online shopping which is leading to slower shipping and fulfilment of orders. If you are planning on buying art gifts this year it is advisable to start early.
For Colder Weather: Sweaters and Hoodies
With colder weather approaching I have introduced a sweatshirt and hoodie in to the range. Hoodies are available in a variety of colors and are printed with the special artwork “Mo Laoch” which translates from the Irish language to “My Hero” and features Irish author James Joyce as the central character.
If you are more of a sweatshirt person I have chosen the art work “Captain Outrageous vs. Frisbee King” which was inspired by Key West, Florida as the feature print. It is also available in multiple colors - click here to buy.click here to buy.
Special Requests / Limited Edition PIGSY Art Mugs
From time to time, I will introduce a limited edition art product or a Pigsy special request item. Pictured below is the “Phoenix Rising” enamel art mug which was commissioned by special request. “Phoenix Rising” was a large scale painting that I created during the first pandemic lockdown in Ireland. The printed mug is really awesome and I hear that not only is it a great mug to drink coffee from but that it also works for wine!!
Want to see more Irish Art products - go to the PIGSY Art Merch store here.
Edit, Feb 2022 - all of the PIGSY art merch is now special order. Contact me for further details.
How to set up a "Home Cinema" in your back yard!
Have you ever wanted to watch Movies in the Garden?
Here’s how you can set up your own home movie theatre in your backyard in a few easy steps!
When I lived in Ireland I always thought that having a home cinema in your back garden was something very cool. However with good weather being fairly unreliable I never went ahead and set up one in my garden.
However, when I moved to Malaga in Spain I figured that it would be the perfect opportunity to go ahead with my plan and set up a home movie theatre on my balcony - or as a balcony is called in Spain, my “terrace”. During these covid times I am not venturing to the cinema and so having a home movie screen means that I am not missing out on watching films but I am also social distancing at home and therefore keeping my circle of contacts very small. Home entertainment definitely seems like a wise choice at this time. Also here in Malaga the weather is perfect for sitting outside in late at night. It is September now and still very warm.
The terrace in my apartment is perfect for a home cinema set up. We live on the top floor (atico) and there is a gable wall of the apartment next to us, that is in a perfect position for us to use to project movies on to.
Home Cinema Location Choice
The terrace in my apartment is perfect for a home cinema set up. We live on the top floor (atico) and there is a gable wall of the apartment next to us, that is in a perfect
Look how the projection looks like when the sun goes down!
We are currently watching “Narcos” and the outdoor projector is definitely giving us that “big screen” experience at home.
Here’s how I set up home cinema experience on my terrace and the steps you can take in order to set up your home movie theatre (indoors or outdoors).
Follow through the steps I outline below to set up your own outdoor movie theatre in your garden or on your terrace!
5 Steps to Set Up your Home Cinema
Scope out where is the best place to project on to. You are going to need a large blank wall (preferably white), but if you don’t have a blank wall you can buy a projector screen and use that.
Consider how you are going to power your projector and laptop set up. If you don’t have an outside plug you are going to need to use an extension lead or power strip with a long cable.
Buy a projector. I bought mine on Amazon and it was delivered ridiculously fast. I ordered it about 3pm on Friday and it arrived the next day at 9.30am. Projectors can be really pricy but I budgeted about 100 euro and decided upon the Vamvo Full HD 1080P Mini L4200 Projector with Dolby.
Think about speakers. The projector I purchased has built in speakers which worked perfectly. However, my apartment is above a really busy street with bars and restaurants below so it is NOISY! I am going to try using an additional blue tooth portable speaker that I have and look at connecting it by cable to the projector. Depending on your situation, you may not need additional speakers and the built in ones on the projector may suffice.
Set up is very easy. Firstly it is a matter of plugging in your laptop and projector and then connecting them together with an HDMI cable.
You will then need to look at positioning the projector in order to have the screen the size you need on the wall.
Finally once you have something up on the screen you can use the manual lens focus to get the screen in to focus.
Choose snacks and wait for the sun to go down!
It’s that easy to set up your own home movie entertainment system - all you have to do now is decide on what chairs to use (I like a lounger with a light blanket), what snacks to eat and then wait for the sun to go down!
Benefits of a Home Cinema
If I haven’t sold you already on the Home Cinema concept, here’s a list of some of the benefits
You can watch what you like when you like (although if you have set up outside, you will need to wait until it gets dark. If you went for an indoor set up you can just pull the curtains!)
You can make your own snacks and just pause the movie when you go for a refill of popcorn in the kitchen
The family pet can enjoy the film too!
You don’t need to get a babysitter if you have little ones in the house - just pop them to bed promptly and set up the cinema in the front room
You can watch a film over two nights if you get tired halfway through it
You can have a beer or wine or even a cocktail while watching your movie…….a signature cocktail could be created for when you are showing a film or you could even create a specialty cocktail while watching particular films eg. 1920’s cocktails for The Great Gatsby
You can lounge and wear your pyjamas and get cosy under a blanket
You can talk during the film
Have I missed out on any other benefits to watching movies at home? Let me know in the comments section below!
My top picks for "the best of" Malaga
Visit Malaga
Malaga is a wonderful city to visit and enjoy a vacation in. It’s very accessible, arty and pet friendly. When you visit Malaga, you can head straight to all of these great cafes and restaurants, which are my recommendations for what I think is “the best of” Malaga City.
Pastries, Cakes & Breads
Julia Bakery on Calle Carreteria for the best pastries and cakes. Their orange and chocolate brioche is divine and big enough for two to share. They also do a good coffee and a great selection of bagels for breakfast.
Edit - Feb 2022, Unfortunately I heard that Julia Bakery is now closed.
Coffee
In no particular order, (1) Dulces Dreams is in a chilled out setting on Plaza de los Mártires Ciriaco y Paula and does a great cup of coffee in this beautiful micro square (2) Avokate on Calle Granada while I also enjoy (3) Mia Coffee Shop next door to Dulces Dreams.
Tapas
Casa Lola has the best Russian Salad and is great for a relaxed dinner of tapas. There are three different locations of this restaurant but we prefer the one on Calle Granada the best.
Pasta
Spagos on Calle Caldereria does the most amazing fresh pasta with choice of sauces. It’s available both sit in and take away (but it’s a casual spot really). However for a really great night out go to Pizzeria Vittoria which is centrally located close to the Roman ruins and not far from the cathedral. Their pasta is divine!!
Pizza
Madí on Calle San Augustin is our go to for pizza (and their pasta is excellent too). We received the recommendation from an Italian guy and I guess if anyone knows good pizza it is Italians!
Edit - Madi Pizza is now CLOSED
Churros
Churreria La Malaguena on Calle Sebastian Souviron has an authentic old fashioned feel to it and it’s the place to go for churros. They have no menu, so order a coffee and pitufo (bread roll sandwich) for breakfast and you will be sorted!
Cafe Aranda is also one of my faves and dangerously for me, one of their locations is directly beside my art studio. It’s a popular spot and their hot chocolate is very good along with their churros being keenly priced so you can order a bunch of them when you are with a group and all of you can dig in and enjoy this sweet Spanish delicacy that everyone loves so much. It’s definitely something that everyone should try at least once on their Malaga vacation.
Ambiance
Cafe Populus on Calle Alamos is where we are doing our Spanish Language Classes with Clara of “Speak and Learn”. It is in the beautiful Anahita Boutique Hotel and we sit out in the open roofed (but enclosed) terrace space for our lesson where we meet with teacher Clara. It is a beautiful space and very tranquil and quiet.
Hot Chocolate
Casa Aranda on Calle Santos (across from my studio) feels like it has been around forever - it’s an institution in Malaga and has been in existence since the 1930’s. It’s the type of place that I imagine Picasso probably enjoyed a churro and hot chocolate in. It’s a must visit to partake in the same.
Breakfast (Desayuno en Malaga)
Recyclo Bike Cafe is a cool spot - have a breakfast while your bike is in for a service!
Let me know in the comments below if you visited any of these great spots or if you have any other Malaga recommendations.
Alcazaba in Malaga City
The Malaga Citadel a great historical site to visit that is not mentioned in the above post.A trip to Malaga is not complete without a visit to the walkway designed by OAM Architects - it’s a must see!
Speaking of must see’s, why not stop by my art studio on Calle Santos to see what I am getting up to while in art residency here in Spain. Or have a look at the video below to see how I created art while in studio in Madrid.
Poetry & Art: Poetry is inspiring!
What inspires my art?
I’m often asked what inspires my art.
To answer I would have to say just about everything in life does, be it positive or negative.
Poetry & Art
Currently I am going through a phase of listening to a lot of poetry and I truly find this very inspiring. My favourite poem to listen to at this time is “When all the others were away at mass” by Seamus Heaney. It was voted the nation’s favourite poem. back in about 2015 in Ireland, and I can see why. Seamus Heaney is a poet that turns the mundane in to something mystical but he can also reach in to the human psyche and pull out raw emotion that can be painful. My wife can’t talk about his poem “Mid-Term Break” without tearing up at the line “A Four-Foot Box, A Foot for Every Year”.
“When all the others were away at Mass” is a reference to the mother-son relationship and this theme can be seen in some of my art pieces. I am currently working on an art work that relates to my mother and some of the emotions that I am working through in relation to the natural aging process and the cycle of life and death. Due to the rawness of it I am not ready to share the art work with the world just yet. But I will in time.
Where to buy art supplies in Malaga, Spain.....
Are you an artist looking for art supplies in Malaga?
Here’s a list of the best places for artists to buy art supplies in Malaga, Spain
When I first arrived in Malaga I had no idea where to start buying art supplies for my work in the studios of La Casa Amarilla. However, I’ve done the hard leg work now, so you don’t have to which means you can spend more time doing creative things in the art studio rather than searching out all of the places to buy art supplies in Malaga!
See below for full info about all of the art stores in Malaga where you can purchase art supplies for your artistic work.
C / Méndez Núñez 10, 29008 Málaga, Spain
Olimpia Fine Arts
When I arrived in Malaga, I set about locating all of the art supply stores. Luckily for me and purely by chance the apartment I rented is literally steps away from Olimpia Fine Art shop near Uncibay Plaza. It’s got an excellent range of products and I particularly recommend their hand stretched canvas which come in various sizes and are reasonably priced. And if you visit here, you can tell Francisco that the Irish artist PIGSY sent you here!
Calle Atarazanas, 15, 29005 Málaga
Iberia Art
Iberia Art is located conveniently near the market in Malaga, Iberia Art is a treasure trove of art supplies. It is my go to store for spray paint. I also like how they are very active on instagram and have always shared my insta posts when I tag them!
It seems like a family run busines and they run it in the old school way where all of your items are priced up on a little docket by a staff member and you then take this docket up to whoever is manning (or womanning) the cash register in order to pay at the til.
The Place
Calle Cordoba 6, Malaga
The Place, Soho
I hit the motherload when I found “The Place” on Cordoba Street in Soho. It’s a mixed use cooperative of urban street wear, grafitti supplies, tattoo parlour, skateboard shop and a hairdresser! It’s awesome - there’s loads of edgy and cool stuff to look at. The spray cans and oil sticks are keenly priced too so I will definitely be returning soon for more supplies.
Along with being great for spray paint, the clothes are really good with a lot of USA brands available including Carhart and The Loser Machine.
Calle Puerta del Mar 18, Malaga
Govez
I happened upon this place when I was heading to Iberia Art. They have loads of paper supplies and pens and some art supplies but to me it seems more like a specialist stationery supplier than an art shop proper. They do sell canvas as well as paint. For things like paperclips and other mundane supplies this is a conveniently located shop that is well stocked. Along with this the staff are friendly and offer their assistance as soon as you go in the door. All ways good to take up the offer of assistance because anything that helps you get back to being creative in the art studio is the way to go!
Arvasa Frame Shop
Calle Compañía 32, Malaga
Arvasa Framing Shop, Malaga
Arvasa is a picture framing shop just down the way from the Museo Carmen Thyssen. I’m not to sure what’s going on with it because I passed by it today and unfortunately it looks like it is closing down. I had called to them a few weeks ago and made enquiries about getting some paintings framed and it did not look like this. The windows had a nice display at that time and the signage was perfect unlike the photo above. I’ll check it out again in a few week and will update this blog post if they are just closed for a refurbishment.
Update - as of Febrary 2025, this shop is still closed down which is a really pity as it is very centrally located - come to think of it, it would make a great art gallery or art studio in Malaga.
Vasco Informatica
Avenida de Manuel Agustín Heredia 14, Malaga
Vasco
This store is more of a stationers but sells plenty of things like paper, markers, pens and glues sticks etc.
Critaleria Malaguena - Framing Shop
Located on Calle Carretería 29 in Malaga Centro
An excellent framing shop in Malaga - they also stretched canvas for me!
Found Objects - making art from things found on the streets of Malaga
Additionally I have bought art supplies in some of the hardware stores found around the city. However, the one thing that I am struggling with is “Found Objects”. I had planned to make art with objects that I found in skips on the street. But to be honest, Malaga is so spotlessly clean I am not finding these items, bar what I got in the pics above!
I saw the cardboard roll being thrown in the bin in a fabric store so I went in and asked could I have it. They very kindly obliged me.
But watch this space. I will continue on the search for Found Objects and other art shops too.
Where I paint in Malaga…..
I’m currently a resident artist in La Casa Amarilla. Call in and see the gallery on Calle Santos in the centre of the city near Calle Neuve.
PIGSY Short Film
To know more about me and my art work click below to watch the PIGSY short film
Art Opening: Luis Alhama at La Casa Amarilla in Malaga, Spain
Art Opening: Luis Alhama in La Casa Amarilla
Luis Alhama:
“Fisuras en el Paisaje”
Pigsy and Enid Bebbington at Luis Alhama show
Art Opening in Malaga
Little by little, life begins to feel more normal. On Thursday I went to my first exhibition opening night since the pandemic and not only did it bring feelings of normality but it brought great enjoyment - I really enjoyed everything about it. There is always a great buzz on an opening night, the feeling of anticipation as you approach a venue and then when you are greeted by great art you know your anticipation was warranted.
La Casa Amarilla Exhibition
Thursday evening in Malaga was just like that, when I visited La Casa Amarilla for the opening night of Luis Alhama’s exhibition “Fisuras en el Paisaje” (Cracks in the Landscape). As we approached the gallery we could see and hear the excited crowd of show goers. We mingled outside for a little bit (with a physical distance) and then went in to the gallery to take the art in.
Once inside the gallery on Calle Santos, there was plenty of space to enjoy the presentation of Luis Alhama’s artwork. It’s a small gallery but most people moved to the outside space after they had finished viewing so it felt very safe and comfortable. The artwork was very impressive and excellently curated. The pieces were stunningly beautiful with the add on of some background sounds of nature which sounded like they were coming from within the sculptures. It’s a brilliant thought provoking exhibition and is open for a month until the 10th of October - do go and view it if you are in Malaga Centro.
American Dyslexia Association features PIGSY short film
Dyslexia and PIGSY - the film
Thank you to the American Dyslexia Association for featuring the PIGSY short film by Mike Andrews on their website.
Click here to view the PIGSY film on my website.
This film had it’s premiere showing in the Galway Film Festival in 2018 and then went on to be shown in film festivals in the UK and Ireland. It features me and how my life has been as a person with dyslexia and I hope that it can be an inspiration to others with the condition.
European Dyslexia Week
Beyond being shared by many of the world’s Dyslexia Support Organisations, the film was also screened by Irish Libraries in 2021 to mark European Dyslexia Week. As someone who is married to a librarian, this was something I was so very proud to be part of ,as libraries do amazing work and provide the most fantastic supports and resources here in Ireland as well as running services from some of the most beautiful buildings that were provided by Andrew Carnegie and are now being maintained by library authorities all over Ireland. Andrew Carnegie left his mark all over the world and libraries are a testament to his legacy.
e-Services from your local library
Of course libraries have moved on to provide services beyond the traditional offerings within the bricks and mortar of the buildings. With e-Resource offerings there are free e-Books and e-Audio Books available (I love audio books!) and also things like educational courses that can be done at any time online. Additionally many libraries offer and lend such things as Tablets for Older People to stay connected, and I see that DLR libraries offer reading pens which will be of so much benefit to many different types of users.
With most services offered free of charge in libraries in Ireland, there has never been a better time to join up and see what is available. And if you aren’t interested in borrowing a book you can always attend some of the events that they host - there really is something for everyone from the library!
Malaga Museum Visit: CAC Malaga - Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Málaga
Contemporary Art at the CAC Malaga - Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Málaga
CAC Malaga
Sunday was a 2 museum visit day! I visited the Contemporary Art Centre (the CAC) in Malaga in the morning time and then in the late afternoon at 5pm, I visited the Carmen Thyssen museum again before I went to my studio to do some work. The visit to the Carmen Thyssen was literally a flying visit as once we got in, we took the lift straight to the top floor to the temporary exhibition “Mascaras”. I’ll blog about that separately.
So back to my visit to the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo.
Forget about the art, I was seriously impressed by the building itself. The CAC is housed in an old 1930’s warehouse which you can read more about here. The rooms have really high ceilings and the whole place is extremely spacious and open plan and it lends itself to showcasing massive pieces of contemporary art.
Juan F. Lacomba at the CAC Malaga
The exhibition that we most wanted to visit was the exhibition of artist Juan F. Lacomba which ran from May to the 30th of August and so Sunday was the last day that it would be seen. The exhibition was titled “Aquí a lo lejos” (Here in the distance) and it consisted of many large scale works along with numerous smaller pieces that were arranged in a grid like patterns by the curator. To my mind, nature was to the forefront of many of the pieces but they were intensely layered canvas with an organic depth and feel to them. It was a very impressive exhibition and I was immensely glad to see it on the last day.
I intend to return very soon to the CAC to see the next exhibition that is on show.
Edit - February 2025, the CAC Malaga is currently closed
Museum Visit: Centre Pompidou Malaga
Centre Pompidou Malaga
Architecture of Renzo Piano in Malaga
Yesterday I visited the very impressive Centre Pompidou Malaga. Designed by Architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, it’s a stunning building that showcases the artwork within to amazing effect. The design of the building is certainly to be marveled at but the collection that I viewed was more of a marvel and to say it floated my boat is an understatement!
Malaga Marina Area
The museum itself is down by the marina which is a fabulous area of Malaga. I recommend a visit to the museum to get out of the heat of the day and then take a stroll down the marina and go for a drink afterwards to discuss all that you saw in the museum!
The building houses a cube of coloured panels above ground that from when viewed at below ground in the museum, the void within has the most amazing shadows that gave me a reminder of a Mondrian painting.
Spanish Artists
The current collection is broad ranging and takes in artists such as Miro, Picasso, Barcelo and Picabia. It also introduced me to some new concepts such as “The Matterists”. I was most taken by a 1929 piece by Francis Picabia which was titled “Sphinx” but in reality I liked most of the art on display and massively enjoyed my visit to the museum. A perfect Sunday activity here in Malaga.
A Move to Malaga for PIGSY
A move for artist PIGSY from Ireland to Spain
New Spanish adventure!
It is the start of a new adventure for myself, Enid & Bones!
I am here in Spain (the beautiful city of Malaga) for the foreseeable future to PAINT!
New Art Studio in Malaga
We rented a little apartment along with studio space to work in (en La Casa Amarilla).
It’s a fantastic opportunity to move from Ireland at this time and I am feeling very positive about this amazing adventure for us.
2020 has been one hell of a year but I think this move is a positive one.
PIGSY is going to enter in to an immensely creative period!!
Contact me for further information
My artwork is available through The Designyard Gallery - do pop in to view if you are in Dublin in Ireland (say Hi to Ronan for me!) or you can also view available pieces online, with shipping available worldwide.
My studio is open to visitors (in a socially distanced manner) so get in contact if you want to visit me here in Malaga!
"Savage" : In-spire Gallerie, Group Show
“Savage” Group Show with In-Spire Gallery
31st of July 2020 at In-Spire Gallery, Dublin
PIGSY is part of the latest In-spire Galerie Group Show.
Curated by Dino Notaro, participants Include: PIGSY, Egoluna, Niamh O’Connor, Tracy Watt, Chris O’Hara, Jennifer Smith, Ignacio Arumburu, Aine O’Hara, Frank O’Dea & Marie Noonan McDermott
A Ramble through Ranelagh
Join artist PIGSY on a walk through Ranelagh!
Ranelagh, Dublin 6, Ireland
When you ramble through Ranelagh a small urban village in Dublin with an art canvas under your arm on a warm sunny May Day……and the route to the framing shop takes you down laneways, through the park, under alleyways, past a vintage Mini Cooper and on to “Framexperts” next to Nick’s Coffee.
Ireland is the best on days like this and it certainly makes me thankful that I live in a great village with fantastic amenities and shops like Ranelagh!
**Exciting News** I'm getting to paint THIS!
Art Commission
Dinosaur Bust
Out of the blue, I’ve been given the opportunity to paint this awesome Dinosaur Head. Fondly called “Rex” by the owner of this artwork, it’s an exciting commission and I’m looking forward to getting down to work on it.
Watch this space and let’s see this piece get the “Pigsyfication” treatment and watch it ROAR!
Custom Painted Dinosaur Head
And here’s the final custom painted bust. Newly named “Rex the Protector-saurus” (apt in times of covid) he takes pride of place on the wall in his home!
This was a really fun piece to paint - I had a great time doing it. Let me know what you think of him - is he terrifying?!
I think he is a definite head turner and makes for a serious interest piece in any living room. Unique statement art will always provoke a reaction which is a good thing in my opinion.
Pandemic Painting
“Phoenix Rising” - an expressionist response to lockdown in Dublin, Ireland in March 2020
We are living through a Pandemic.
So I am painting.
We will get through this. We will rise up. Stay positive!
Art always helps.
UPDATE! “Phoenix Rising” *SOLD*
“Phoenix Rising” is now SOLD and is in-situ in the new owner’s house as part of their art collection
2020 St Patricks Day in Ireland
2020: St Patricks Day Ireland
A strange day here in Ireland as the seriousness of the pandemic unfolds and the government takes steps to flatten the curve and stop the spread of Covid 19.
We need to be warriors
In Irish legend and according to the most popular account of Fionn MacCumhail’s death, he is not dead at all, rather, he sleeps in a cave, surrounded by the Fianna. One day he will awake and defend Ireland in the hour of her greatest need.
You are needed awake now Fionn not just for Ireland but for the world.
“Needed Awake Now”
1600mm W x 1600mm H Mixed Media on Canvas
Contact DesignYard Gallery for further information
Irish Squash Open
Irish Squash Open
The Irish Squash Open is on 21st - 25th of April 2020 in Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club.
As both a squash player and an artist I’m happy to show you the poster for the event which features my artwork “Squash Soldiers”
The original artwork “Squash Soldiers” is on view in Fitzwilliam Tennis Club.
Edit. This blog was originally written on March 9th 2020. Of course as we all know now, Covid19 was beginning to take hold in Ireland and by March 15th the pubs were closed and the country was going in to lockdown. This meant events were cancelled as was the Irish Squash Open
Edit no. 2 - Feb 2020 - “Squash Soldiers” is now available as a print
