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Pigsy brings architect’s eye to street art

Ciarán McCoy’s latest energetic efforts go on display at Dublin’s Kemp gallery

‘No Space for Nostalgia’ by Pigsy

Thu Sep 28 2017 - 06:00

If you thought that all architects love nothing more than a pure white wall (or possibly a spot of distressed concrete), think again. Ciarán McCoy of award-winning firm ODKM has a secret. He may design glorious light-filled extensions, classy conversions and one-off dream pads by day, but he’s also got a second 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 (thekempgallery.com).

In fact, his new show has been curated by the Kemp's very own Steve Kemp. Or perhaps you could even stretch to the late Jean-Michel Basquiat, who started out as a graffiti artist, got lured into the New York gallery scene, and while he died young (he was just 28), his work is currently at London's Barbican gallery. One piece, Untitled, 1982, sold at auction in May of this year for $110.5 million (€94m).

Pigsy's not quite there yet, but his work is vibrant, energetic and fun. The show's title, Nostalgia's Not What It Was, "is an idea that I've been working on for a while" according to the artist.

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“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.”

It's personal work too, looking at old friendships, childhood activities, and troubles at school. Take a look from October 5th-8th at the Fumbally Exchange, Dame Lane, Dublin 2. fumballyexchange.com /odkmarchitects.com

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