BASED at 2 Garryowen Road, St. John’s Brass and Reed Band has been an intrinsic part of the ceremonial history of Limerick for over 150 years. To recognise and celebrate the band’s contribution and representation of Limerick City, Draw Out, the Limerick- based Urban Art initiative, aims to honour the collective with the expertise of Dublin-based artists Decoy and WithoutMatter, delivering a striking mural commemorating the history of the band.
Chairperson for St. John’s Brass and Reed Band, Tony McCarthy, instigated proceedings with Draw Out supplying the artists with an incredible photographic reference; an original photo from 1958 of Jimmy Mc Cormack (right), current President and member of the band and Kevin Greaney (left), a former band member.
The history connected to St. John’s Band is very much part of Limerick’s Cultural Heritage, past and present. With the recent appointment of Mr. Jonathan Luxton as Musical Director, a new exciting era for the band is on the horizon. To coincide with current developments, which included giving the exterior of the building a much needed paint job, the well-received depiction of both the historical aspect of the band and the familiarity of the figures on display represents the true spirit of St. John’s Brass and Reed Band.
Draw Out endeavours to deliver public artwork that inspires higher thought about the community surrounding it, raises awareness and gives remembrance. With the support of Creative Ireland; Made in Limerick and Limerick Arts Office, this project was made possible. The Draw Out team quickly went to work to select the artists they felt would truly deliver on this piece.
‘DECOY’ is a professional muralist and street artist living and working in Dublin. In recent years, his public profile and reputation as an emerging artist has been building from strength-to-strength. Recent group and individual exhibitions, large-scale outdoor commissions and his strong social media presence are a testament to this.
In 2020 his art has progressed into a visibly unique style. Using abstract shapes and patterns synonymous with childhood drawings, overlapping and colour switching, creates his playful yet considered artworks. Furthermore, advancing Irish trends of abstraction and urban art. Also documentation of his day to day activities has become just as important; producing a litany of time lapses and day long paint story collaborations as he goes.
‘WITHOUT’ is a visual artist hailing from Dublin. Originally coming from a fine-art/sculpture background, Without has been working as a muralist and designer the last four plus years. WITHOUT’s practice falls somewhere between sculpture, painting and, in recent years, large format artwork in the form of muralism and architectural installations. His most recent work explores themes of space, time, movement and form, treading the grounds between two and three dimensions. The combination of both artist’s individual styles creates a vibrant and collaborative concept, bringing depth, emotion and personality to the piece.
Public artwork shines a light on a particular entity rooted within the community, and acts as a talking point for important social conversation. Draw Out aims to represent the community spirit of the area, honour its cultural heritage and its influence on the populace. Draw Out has, to date, delivered 29 original pieces at a variety of sites across Limerick City and within Limerick communities, taking pride in defining the ‘local common ground’ to
encompass the distinctive, cultural elements of the area, presenting the authentic, social
and cultural character of a city and its communities.
If you wish to contact Draw Out, you can do so on 061- 314637/ 0838827455 or via any of our social media platforms.
Draw Out Socials: @drawoutlk (Insta and twitter), facebook.com/drawoutlimerick
Website: www.drawout.ie
St. John’s Brass and Reed Band Socials: @saintjohnsbrassandreedbandlimerick
Website: www.stjohnsband.com
Artists socials: @decoy_art and @withoutmatter (Instagram), facebook.com/Decoyartist