"PIGSY's work goes virtual" by Tony Bryant
Tony Bryant writes about PIGSY
Sur in English, 27th November 2020
Journalist Tony Bryant writes “Malaga-based Irish artist Pigsy (Ciaran McCoy) will host an online exhibition of his work from 28 November until 12 December. The artist, renowned for his large colourful paintings, will exhibit the body of work he has produced since arriving in Malaga earlier this year”………see full story here
Contemporary Art Exhibition
To view the video of the online exhibition “Seven Spanish Angels” by PIGSY, click here
“PIÑA y más allá” at La Casa Amarilla
“PIÑA y más allá” (Group Art Exhibition) at La Casa Amarilla Gallery in Malaga, Spain
La Casa Amarilla, Calle Santos, Malaga
3rd of Dec 2020 - 10th of Jan 2021
Opening Wednesday 3rd of December at 12pm
La Casa Amarilla’s Group Show opens today at 12pm. It’s a real life physical exhibition (remember those!). It’s an incredible collection of art with some of the best Malaga artists participating and it gives everyone an opportunity to buy art for Christmas gifts this year. The exhibition is made up of a physical exhibition where each artist was invited to submit one art piece while additionally there is a virtual exhibition where each artist submitted three artworks for inclusion. 2020 is definitely the year to support artists so please have a look at all of the available art in this exhibition (or exhibitions local to you) and make a decision to buy art for gifts this year.
As I mentioned, it is an incredible line up of artists and I am very proud to be included - particularly because I am so new to the art scene here in Malaga!
“This Situation is Muy Fragil”
The physical PIGSY piece that I have submitted and will be on display physically along with 3 others that will be shown virtually is called “This Situation is Muy Fragil #01”. It’s 52cm w x 52cm h in size and is mixed media on board in frame (framed here in Malaga). This along with all of the other artists’ paintings and art pieces will be on display until the 10th of January. Get in to enjoy these amazing works and to choose and buy a contemporary artwork before they are all sold out.
ARTISTS:
Aida Florido
Aranzazu Guma
Almaro
Bran Solo
Carmen Moreno
Carmen Campos
Cristina Savage
Cayetano Romero
Chema Lumbreras
Dalmacio Sos
David Burbano
David campaner
Efrain ortega
Eryk Pall
Esperanza Gomez-Guerrero
Hanna quevedo
Ismael Kachtihi del Moral
Irene Cruz
Juanjo Fuentes
Javier Bottle
Javier Roz
Julia Holtman
Joo eun
Jose Adrian
Lydia fernandez
The Rulla
Luis Alhama
Le Petit Kaiser
Maria Gkaliata
Miguel Martos
Misskafeina
Mister Kaikus
Maite vroom
Mati Moreno
Matilde Júbia
Marta O Nilsson
Merche Ber
Nicko baills
Pablo Caro Revidiego
Pedro Ocana
PD (Pedrosa)
Philip McQueen
Paula Ortega
Pablo Rodriguez Guy
Paco Aguilar
"Pigsy"
Pilar Bandres
Rebecca Uliczka
Raul Navas
Ramon Paredes
Roy Laguna
Saul wes
Sergio Natty
Sebastian Navas
Tina Sanchez
Vicente Holgado
Yolanda dorda
Xavier Montsalvatge
PIGSY is SOLD!!
Edit: 8th December - “This Situation is Muy Fragil” is now SOLD!
Check out the not red dot, but yellow dot, that La Casa Amarilla Gallery (well it does mean “The Yellow House” in English!) uses to mark sold art.
There are three further PIGSY pieces that are being sold virtually in this exhibition in Malaga. Contact La Casa Amarilla Gallery Director David Burbano for further details.
2020: The year of staying safe outside
Word of 2020: Pandemic
Merriam-Webster and Disctionary.com have announced that the 2020 word of of the year is, not surprizingly, “Pandemic”.
The word “Pandemic” has been around for a very long time coming from the Greek language but for 2020 it obviously saw a resurgence in common usage along with newer terms like “social distancing”, “corona baby”, “covidiot” and “superspreader” and given the amount of searches online for “pandemic” it was chosen as the word of 2020 over the other newer words.
Product of 2020
And so if the word of 2020 is Pandemic, my choice for the product of 2020 is the humble enamel cup. As we attempted to stay safe from Covid-19 in 2020, many of us moved our socialising to the outdoors where the virus spreads less easily in comparison to badly ventilated indoor areas. It is in the outdoors what the enamel cup comes in to it’s own as it is easily transportable and it means that if you get an invite from a neighbor to call for a cup of coffee in their garden, you can bring your own cup. Enamel cups are also fairly sturdy and unbreakable and as mentioned in this article in Image Magazine enamel crockery is the perfect choice for use in the garden or park “If you don't like bringing your good crockery outside, then enamelware is a great alternative, as it's both sturdy and retains heat well”.
Enamel Cup Style
Enamel cups have been around for yonks and are a staple on camping trips or in picnic baskets. However, given the year we have been having I think it is advisable to buy an enamel cup with something extra that has a bit of style or pzazz if you are going to invest in one for your “al fresco” activities. And what’s got more style than an enamel cup printed with an original artwork by PIGSY?! It will definitely be a talking point when you take it on the hiking trail or enjoy a cup of coffee with friends in their garden.
Special Edition PIGSY art mug
I made a limited edition of my “Phoenix Rising” artwork available on an enamel mug. They are practically sold out now, so with only a few left it is the time to order one.
Other than the “Phoenix Rising” mug there is also the option of the “Squash Soldiers” mug which features a print of an original artwork that is now hanging in the prestigious Fitzwilliam Tennis Club in Dublin, Ireland.
There are other versions of the enamel art mug which you can see in my store.
Delight in small things
2020 has been a tough year for many but already there is good news about an imminent vaccine with the Pfizer Covid vaccine getting approval for use in the UK and there are plans to start rolling it out from next week. But in the interim, stay safe and delight in small things like enjoying a coffee in the outdoors in a special mug - but don’t forget that a mug like this will probably work perfectly for mulled wine too!!!
"Seven Spanish Angels"
An exhibition of art work created by PIGSY in his Malaga Studio
Online Exhibition Presented by DesignYard from 27th Nov - 12th Dec 2020
“Seven Spanish Angels” 1850mm H x 2993mm W
The centre piece artwork in the virtual exhibition of PIGSY’s latest body of work painted in Spain is titled “Seven Spanish Angels”.
This painting represents a show of respect from PIGSY to seven of the great Spanish artists. A nod, to inform all Spanish artist’s that PIGSY has arrived to create artwork on their home soil. The two indicators of hierarchy in the painting are ‘The Man P.P.’ ( Pablo Picasso) and New Man PIGSY (PIGSY himself). The other artists referenced, left to right, are Antoni Tapies, Joan Miró, Miguel Barceló, Luis Buñel, Jorge Randi, Salvador Dalí.
Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso is placed beside the main portraiture of PIGSY as an acknowledgement of his stature with the figure of ‘Pablo Picasso’s ‘Susana y Los Ancianos, Niza, Verano 1955’ piercing through the mind of the central figure which is a reminder to the artist to always respect and learn from those who went before and to look to them for guidance when needed. All the other artists are reflected by their works in the painting through PIGSY’s inner mind.
The angel shows the equation 7 - 1 = 6 because one artist is still alive and showing Spanish art the true path. PIGSY figures that he is a + 1 but is not the 8th Spanish artist.
For full details of all of the pieces that are in the online show case, please visit Designyard
Click the Youtube video below to see the “Spanish Angels” Online Exhibition!
Seven Spanish Angels : PIGSY Exhibition News!
“Seven Spanish Angels” presented by Designyard
Created in the Malaga studio & Curated by Ronan Campbell
Pigsy’s latest body of work will go on exhibition on The Designyar’s website in a show called “Seven Spanish Angels”
Preview
27th November 2020 @ 6pm – email info@designyard.ie for early access
Show Dates
28th November – 12th December 2020
UPDATE - See the video of the “Seven Spanish Angels” Online Art Exhibition here
Creating Art in Spain
I’ve been working away here in Malaga since I left Ireland after lockdown at the end of July. It’s been an intensive few months and my production levels have been off the charts. Living through this pandemic has made me realize what a release creating art is and I’m really pleased to be able to show you all that I have been working on in an online format. With the creation of art being a release for me, I hope that the viewing and enjoying of my art is a release for you and takes your mind off some of the tougher scenarios that are being presented to us all at this time. And then in 2021 we will begin to show physically again with visitors being welcomed back in to galleries all over the world and you will get to see my work in person.
But until this time, please do enjoy immersing yourself in my new Spanish body of work!
- PIGSY
Exhibition Preparation in Malaga - Visiting the frame shop
Art Exhibition Preparation - Group Show
I’m currently working towards a Group Show that will be held here in Malaga at La Casa Amarilla. There is two parts to it. One is the actual real-life physical exhibition (remember those!) and the now familiar virtual exhibition to go alongside. Each artist has to submit 4 pieces, some which will be in the physical exhibition and others in the virtual exhibition.
In order to prepare for this showing, I selected the 4 paintings to be exhibited which I then had professionally photographed.
Framing PIGSY Art
The next step is to have the paintings framed. So I visited the frame shop today to discuss my framing requirements. I’ve written about how I like my work to be framed in a past blog andI was interested to see if I could replicate the same aesthetic here in Malaga as I specified at home in Ireland.
And so I set off for a walk through the streets of Malaga with a piece of art. Everything is so convenient here in Malaga city with just about every business that you could need available in the city and the director of La Casa Amarilla had given me the details of the framer which was only a few streets away from my studio.
After having a great chat with the framer we decided upon a style for the frame after having a good browse of his full selection - not quite my usual look but very close! I also got a quote for the work which I was agreeable to. It will take about a week for the framing work to be done and then they will be all ready for the exhibition in December. It’s my first exhibition here in Spain so I’m looking forward to it!
Here’s the details of the Frame Shop:
CRISTALERIA MALAGUEÑA.
Calle Carretería 29,
29008, Málaga
"Mind on My Monet" - Guest Blog by Yadi
Guest Blog: Mind on My Monet
I’m delighted to present my first guest blog by art blogger Yadi of the uber popular “Mind on My Monet” instagram account in which she explores the art galleries of London along with her son Milo. I’ve enjoyed following Yadi’s instagram where she shares photographs of her son viewing the amazing art that they visit together. When I look at these instagram pics it makes me feel like I’m looking at art through the eyes of a child and as such it gives me a new dimension to it where I enjoy the art in its purest form without the baggage of adult life. I hope you enjoy “Mind on My Monet” instagram as much as I do!
About: Yadi of “Mind on My Monet” Instagram
Hi I’m Yadi, originally from the U.S., and now a mum of two in London. I previously studied photography, which is what brought me to London, and now I’m a full-time art enthusiast. I’m very lucky I get the chance to share my passion for all things art with my kids, and that was the main motivation for my Instagram page. I’ve come across other parents who were intimidated to take children inside commercial galleries and art museums, and I wanted to dispel the myth. London has access to some of the best art in the world, most of the time for free, so I use my page to encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of this.
Children’s reaction to art
One of my biggest joys is seeing my son’s reaction to the art and exploring how he feels towards it. Children let you know right away why they love something (and very often why they don’t!). They also have a natural ability to be inquisitive. Milo eagerly wants to know more about a piece that catches his eye, and that is how our conversations normally begin.
Contemporary art and children
In terms of tips for other parents wanting to take children to art museums, start with the larger ones. For example, Tate Modern is a perfect place to start in London. I always say keep it light and fun. Contemporary art is great for this, as it’s easier for children to engage with. I also normally let Milo take the lead, let him find something he gravitates towards and see where that might take us.
Thanks Yadi for your blog with words of wisdom and fantastic photos of Milo enjoying the contemporary art - I think your work on instagram is invaluable and it will help encourage many other parents and guardians to visit art galleries with their children and enjoy them as much as you do with your son!
Please do leave a message in the comment box below if you enjoy exploring art with the little ones in your life.
-PIGSY
To frame or not to frame!
Framing and hanging artworks
Framing Art
I get asked a lot whether my artwork should be framed or not. Generally speaking, there are some of my artworks that I think benefit from framing. If this is the case I tend to specify an off-white tray frame with a shadow gap that always shows the side of the artwork and allows the painting to be read (this is one of my signatures - the majority of my paintings wrap and continue on the canvas around the canvas frame, i.e. the side of art works is an important part of the story within the painting). While if I haven’t either specified or actually framed an artwork it is then really a personal preference of the new owners as to whether they want to frame it or not. Sometimes collectors have a particular view on how they like to showcase their full art collections and can have a preference for a collective look and so because of this they frame all of their artworks with a particular frame style. I never have an issue with this!
Custom and Bespoke Frames
If you decide to frame a stretched canvas artwork, you will need to get a custom frame fabricated in a frame shop. In Ireland, I bring my canvas’ to FrameXperts in Ranelagh and they make my frames to my exact specifications. They are based in Ranelagh village, next door to Nick’s Coffee and are on instagram. I have yet to source a framer here in Spain but I plan to in the very near future as I have some large pieces on canvas that need to be stretched on to frames.
“Phoenix Rising” a large scale artwork that I specified a frame for, which was then made by Angel in FrameXperts in Ranelagh (Dublin, Ireland)
I have never used glass to the front of any of my framed art works as I feel that this might have a glare and could decrease the viewing of the piece but it's your call on this and a framer/glazier can probably advise further on the best glass if you have a preference for a glass front. I also like viewers to get up close and personal to my artworks and again a piece of glass may prevent this. However on the other hand you may have a specific reason for putting glass to the front of an artwork due to its location, so again it is a personal call.
Hanging Art
This is an art in itself! But on a standard wall I normally hang a painting at 1.5M to the center of the painting. But honestly this all depends on the location and positioning of the painting in a room. I have given guidance in the past to collectors of my works when they have bought a piece from me and have gone visited with them in their home to discuss where is the best place to position the painting in particular rooms. Alternatively, if you have a lot of art it might be a good idea to hire a professional art hanger who will not only guide you on how and where to hang specific pieces but will hang them for you. This in my view is very helpful and could prevent holes in walls where art is hung crooked!
Positioning art and location
I advise considering carefully where to place artworks and to never hang paintings above a radiator or close to an area that may cause the painting to warp or get damaged. Direct sunlight for example can cause damage over the years. Hanging paintings in dark rooms near light switches also is not advisable because paintings can easily get knocked and damaged while someone searches for the light switch. A lot about positioning art is very common sense but some time does need to be given over to it, to ensure that your artwork is placed in the best and safest place that shows it in its best light. Other than that in regards to positioning a painting, I always advise to choose the location with your heart. Sometimes the best place for a new artwork is your favorite spot in the house - in a cosy den or above a chair in your library, or in your living area where you spend most of your time. In other words don’t hide your art away in rooms that you rarely use and remember to install some new lighting to direct at the piece if you want to show your art work off to its best effect!
"A Star is Born" (Recently Sold)
Friday Focus: “A Star is Born” by PIGSY
“A Star is Born” - 650mm x 900mm Mixed Media on Stretched Canvas
Today I am focusing on an artwork that has recently gone to its forever home in Ireland.
A mother’s love
“This art piece by PIGSY examines the endless love and goodness that all humans possess as they enter into the world. The artist recognizes how we are all born stars, regardless how society tries to tarnish this utopian state of being. We start with the endless possibility of love, goodness and perfection, but some souls lose their way when faced with the harsh reality of the world. The artist thinks back to the moment when he was born and realizes in that brief moment before the world started to take hold of him that he was “a star” or a perfect being. He wishes that this moment could have lasted forever. Additionally the painting is an homage to the artist’s mother who saw him as being perfect from birth, and kept that value all through his life – as most parent’s do with their children. Beyond this, PIGSY references opportunity for all, from the get go, and that there is the potential to achieve so much beyond what we think we are destined for. In essence it is an artwork about the possibility of life and the strength of the human spirit in times of adversity”.
Art for the Heart
PIGSY Art finds “it’s place”.
It is always surprising to me, but my artworks always seem to end up in their rightful homes. I could explain it by saying that my paintings speak to the heart of the collector who should have it - but in reality given the strong presence of my work I think they probably SHOUT out to their rightful owner!
1972
Those who know my art work well have probably noticed that the year 1972 features in many of my works, as you can see it is there in this art piece too. What a great year that was!
Art Opening: David Burbano at La Casa Amarilla, Malaga, Spain
Art Opening: David Burbano at La Casa Amarilla, Malaga Spain
“Goodbye Summer” en La Casa Amarilla
As an Irish man it was very significant for me to be going out to attend a live art opening on the very day that Ireland closed down under the hardest lockdown in Europe. It felt particularly emotional because of the specific art opening that I attended.
The exhibition I attended was“Adíos Verano” by David Burbano and translated to English this is “Goodbye Summer”. Given what is happening in Ireland today, many Irish people may consider it to be the ending of the good days of Summer harking to the words of the great Irish poet Seamus Heaney “If we can Winter this one out, we can Summer anywhere”.
Curator Roy Laguna writes that “Goodbye Summer is a duel. Not only the own emotional process that follows the loss of a loved one, but also the transition from childhood to compulsory maturity and the building of character. Losing a loved one is losing a part of yourself that is never recovered. No one will be able to take their place and, even if we want to, we cannot replace their presence”, he further goes on to write, “that memory is the engine to continue, to move forward and to say goodbye forever. Other summers will come. New goodbyes to assimilate.”
“Goodbye Summer” is a powerful exhibition that will challenge the viewer particularly in times like this when we value so much the opportunity to visit art shows in real life and not virtually behind a screen. Art sometimes is more about what is just purely on view but can also be about the action of physically being present in the room looking at the art in reality. As my fellow country men are locked down in Ireland I value highly and appreciate immensely being able to attend an art opening in person.
The Burbano photographic exhibition in La Casa Amarilla is a cohesive collection of very beautiful and emotive photographs. The striking images draw you in and lead you along a trail where the final most challenging, somewhat unnerving, but most powerful image is. From concept to detailed execution this is an extremely sophisticated and though provoking exhibition by David Burbano.
“Adíos Verano” is open until 29th of November in La Casa Amarilla on Calle Santos in Malaga.
"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”!
"Hangman" Sculpture by Pigsy
Newly Created: “Hangman” Sculpture by Pigsy
PIGSY Sculpture
I created this guy here in Malaga, the hometown of Pablo Picasso, using found objects from my studio. I was inspired by the sculptural works of Picasso to create a 3D representation of my expressionist artwork on canvas. Created in Picasso’s hometown, this piece is expressionist in form and in the style of Hawkins Bolden. I created it from studio detritus and I had a lot of fun making it!
Sure, it’s a bit weird but if you like weird and wonderful artworks get in contact with me for further info!
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
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!
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
