Southside artist in the spotlight for RDS art fair

Padraig Conlon

A Dublin street artist who creates art on train tickets after getting into a life-changing traffic jam, will be in the national spotlight as Ireland’s premier art fair returns to the RDS this month.

Johnman, a Blackrock based artist who made the leap from food production to full-time artistry after getting stuck in traffic on the M50, will join 200 of the best Irish and international artists alongside a collection of contemporary art worth €1.3 million at Art Source.

“My wife and I were both in full-time, high-profile work and I was stuck in nightmare traffic on the M50 trying to pick up my son from creche before it closed,” Johnman told Southside People.

“In the end, I had to arrange for his Grandad to collect him and wait in the car park for me to arrive with the car seat.

“It was clear to me that there was no point waiting any longer – I had to take the leap, leave my job and focus on my art so that I could prioritise my family.

“Years ago, when I found myself with a bare apartment and no money, I took the leap inspired by my love for street art and decorated the space with spray paint.

“It was my first foray into art since school and I began making art for the love of it and slowly developing it as a talent.

“Urban art comes with a pseudonym, and Johnman is what my friends have always called me, for me it’s all a little tongue in cheek.

“I do try to maintain a bit of mystery, but it is more to keep my work about the art first.”
Art Source, which takes place from November 12 to 14, will feature a centrepiece collection worth €1.3 million featuring works by Andy Warhol, Banksy and Damien Hirst.

The collection of the stars of contemporary art is presented by Gormleys Fine Art, and will showcase Warhol’s iconic 1975 portrait of Mick Jagger, signed by both the artist and the singer, valued at €125,000.

The collection will also include works by Joan Miro, Roy Lichtenstein, Salvador Dali, Robert Indiana and Keith Haring as well as Irish artists Maser, Peter Monaghan and Stephen Forbes.

Over 15,000 people are expected to attend the year’s biggest art show.

And Irish art lovers also have the unique chance to get their hands on 100 pieces of original artwork for €100 each on a first-come, first-served basis on the opening morning of the show on Friday, November 12.

This year’s Art Source showcases painting, sculpture, photography, illustration, prints and ceramic art.

“Art Source offers visitors the opportunity to purchase a one-off affordable original artwork to make their home unique and also the opportunity to meet the artists and hear about their work,” said show organiser Patrick O’Sullivan.

The show will also feature a free children’s art workshop where youngsters can work creatively on the theme of Nature Around Us.

Art Source takes place at the RDS, from November 12-14, admission is €10 adults, €8 OAPs. Children under 16 free if accompanied by a parent or guardian.