A Rathmines-based artist has decorated the side of Rick's Burgers on the corner of George's Street and Dame Street. The four storey mural features three female icons of the Easter Rising, and has been unveiled on International Women's Day.
l-r: Countess Markievicz, Grace Gifford-Plunkett, Margaret Pearse
'Le Chéile i nGruaig' by Gearóid O'Dea translates as 'together in hair'. It was drawn with colouring pencils before being digitally reproduced and erected overnight. The 27 year old says the centenary celebrations are a perfect opportunity to re-imagine the kind of Ireland we could live in.
"Following the example of the drafters of the Proclamation and their landmark declaration of equal rights for men and women, I want to explore the role of women in the Easter Rising."
Countess Markievicz is probably the most famous female revolutionary in Irish history but Gearóid says he wanted to paint her in 'contemplative passivity'. Gifford-Plunkett was a political cartoonist who's husband Joseph was executed in Kilmainham Gaol on the day of their wedding. Margaret Pearse was Patrick Pearse's mother. The Rathmines-based artist says she had to witness the Civil War and see an Ireland emerge that fell far short of her son's ideals.
The 35 foot art installation is in the same location as last year's iconic Marriage Equality mural by Joe Caslin.
You can see more of Gearóid O'Dea's work here.
