Mail Me Art is back with the 2nd call for submission. Mail Me Art is run by Darren Di Lieto, the founder and co-editor of the illustration news portal the Little Chimp Society. Over the course of a year, the first Mail Me Art project brought together a vast collection of artistic work sent in the form of mail by both professional and amateur artists of all ages from across the world. A wide variety of media were used in an equally wide variety of styles and the work arrived on everything from postcards and envelopes to boxes and pieces of wood.

Contributions included work by internationally-renowned illustrators such as Dan May, Michael Slack, Jon Burgerman, Kristian Olson, Catalina Estrada and Jeff Miracola and in total there were in excess of 600 pieces of mail art submitted to the project.

Mail Me Art culminated in the publication of the book Mail Me Art: Going Postal with the World’s Best Illustrators and Designers and the exhibition, held in London during April 2009.

Absolut Original is a new show running during the Absolut Fringe Festival. Original Artworks by Irish Creatives inspired by the Absolut bottle featuring Aisling Farinella, Abestos, BRENB, Clíona O’Flaherty, Chris Judge, D.A.D.D.Y, Eoghan Kidney, Glenn Leyburn, Hugh McCarthy, Jonathan McHugh, Maser, M&E, Steve Doogan, Steve Simpson, Studio AAD and Unthink.

Curated by The Small Print.

5PM-10PM September 5th-20th 2009 at the Absolut Fringe Factory, Dublin (AKA The Boys Scholl, 8 Exchange St. Lower (off Woodquay), Temple Bar)

See more at www.absolutart.ie

The Association of Illustrators had the launch of Images 33 at the London College of Communication, Elephant & Castle. earlier this week. The Illustrators Guild of Ireland had 2 members represented, Chris Haughton & Steve Simpson.
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The wonderful ladies and gentlemen over in Synth Eastwood have recently uploaded all of the conent from their HomeMade show last month. There’s a wealth of amazing content to browse through including this brilliant Popeye by Joven K.

PANGEA! Pangea will showcase 30 new watercolour and ink self portraits paintings by Chris Judge as well as a small installation. Details for the opening reception are:

Date: Thursday, August 6th, 2009
Venue: South Studios, 27-28 New Row South, Dublin 8.
Beer, Wine & Music reception.

More details at www.chrisjudge.com

Just back from London and picked up a flyer for what promises to be the quite the show. Kevin O’Neill – Graphic artist and comic-book illustrator at the Illustration Cupboard.

The Illustration Cupboard is pleased to present the first British exhibition of the world-famous graphic-novel artist Kevin O’Neill featuring original artwork from The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Marshall Law, Nemesis the Warlock & Judge Dredd

As one of the most respected and highly regarded names in this field Kevin O’Neill’s illustrative work has led him to rub shoulders with distinguished writers, directors and film stars. Most widely known for his collaborations with writer Pat Mills on Marshal Law (see over) and Nemesis the Warlock in 2000AD Kevin has also worked with Alan Moore on The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

All artwork is available for purchase, and signed books will also be for sale.  The exhibition will continue on our first floor gallery throughout the remainder of August.  Artwork can be viewed and purchased off our website from 8th July.

Interview with O’Neill from Timesonline.
Article from Wikipedia.

The first UK retrospective of Spanish designer and artist Javier Mariscal’s work is taking place in London’s Design Museum until November. There’s plenty to see here on the exhibitions blog including videos and podcasts.

The National Gallery of Ireland has been given a wonderful gift of of ten superb original colour illustrations by Harry Clarke (1889-1931) which were executed for Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Fairy Tales’, published in 1916 by Harrap & Co. in London. The jewel-like colour illustrations, all in pristine condition, have been in a private collection since the 1920s. They were recently purchased and presented as a gift to the National Gallery by Lochlann and Brenda Quinn.
As part of the Gallery’s Summer Lecture series celebrating the acquisition of these wonderful illustrations, PJ Lynch will be giving a talk on “The Technique of Illustrating Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘Fairy Tales’”, with particular regard to the Clarke paintings of course on Tuesday 16th June 10.30am.
Talks are free and take place in the National Gallery’s lecture theatre. No booking required. For information, contact Education: 01 663 3505
So if any of you are up and about in Dublin early next Tuesday, do come along.

NCAD College in Dublin is currently showing its latest design graduates. Here’s some examples of the illustration work. (more…)

National College of Art and Design 3rd year fine art print students showcase a selection of their work in the Cross Gallery, 58 Francis Street, Dublin 8. Runs from 6-8 on Wednesday, 03 June and 10-5 Thursday.