Glór to get a touch of paint

RENOWNED artist Conor Harrington will visit Ennis on Friday, July 1 to paint an original artwork on the Glór building.
Harrington is one of the most ambitious and open artists to emerge from Ireland in recent years, with a deep respect for urban street and art culture.  The painting is part of Ennis Street Festival initiative.
Originally from Cork but currently based in London, Harrington’s work is an incredibly successful collusion between fine art and street techniques. According to Conor, central to his oil canvasses is, “the male figure, referring to the masculinity of urban culture”.
The men in Conor’s paintings allude to the not necessarily heroic, but stoic and pensive male of the modernist painters, however the pieces are plastered with post-modern graffito flourishes in a pertinent clash of styles.
“I’m interested in the dynamics between opposing elements,” said the artist. Whilst both the male figures and abstract elements of the work are unarguably contemporary, the emotions they transmit are timeless, if currently under rated – dignity, courage and a quiet sense of duty to oneself and those around us. “
At a time when men are accused of being somehow redundant within society, his work is an intelligent and modest reminder of their positive emotional contribution. It also shows that graffiti doesn’t have to shock or be soppy  to have substance.
The Clare Music Service Project will provide a musical backdrop to Conor’s painting on the day, showcasing some of the young talent amongst the local DJs, producers and rappers.  Performers include Sam Lavery, Bubba J, DJ Souths, fEARaNDlOATHING, Vido & Fergus and mynameisjohn. There will also be a breakdancing showcase by Cork-based crew, The Rhythm Rebels, hosts of the recent Livestylez festival. 
The event, which will run from 4pm to 8pm, will take place outside Glór and will allow the audience to sample both the audio and visual experience of street culture being presented. The evening’s entertainment is free and open to people of all ages and in keeping with all CYS events, will be a drug and alcohol free environment.