“I have found that Waterford, like so many other places around the country, has been massively impacted by high unemployment, and this has left many young people are suffering and feeling disillusioned about their prospects and the future.”
Joe Caslin unveiled his latest work in Waterford today; a giant, seven-storey tall drawing that overlooks the city from the walls of the Árd Rí Hotel.
A collaboration with Niall Breslin’s, or Bressie’s, A Lust For Life organisation, it also marks the opening of a brand new Pieta House centre in the city.
Credit: emagine
“I have found that Waterford, like so many other places around the country, has been massively impacted by high unemployment, and this has left many young people are suffering and feeling disillusioned about their prospects and the future,” said the Roscommon artist.
“I want people to look up at this drawing and find hope.
“The drawing is installed to confront stigma, to question how we find our moral compass, to challenge us to build resilience but, above all, it is a symbol of support. With the recent opening of Pieta House in the city, I felt it was an ideal time to create this drawing in Waterford and with the support of many partners and my incredible team.”
Bressie spoke about how Caslin’s work has been at the forefront of much of Ireland’s social change in recent times, from our changing attitudes to mental health to the historic marriage referendum in 2015.
“Joe’s ability, through his immense talent as an artist to capture the essence and mood of a social energy is a true illustration of how symbolism, art and imagery can impact and facilitate a cultural shift and become a strong foundation for a new conversation.
Joe Caslin
“To date he has successfully managed to create pieces of art that have galvanised social movements with the purist, simplistic human beauty of his art. He cuts through outdated societal stigmas through his brave and innovative creativity. We are humbled to be a part of this powerful project.”
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