Focus Ireland Mural

“Unseen but not Forgotten”

I was commissioned by Focus Ireland to create a mural to shine a light on hidden family homelessness in Ireland as part of their 2024 fundraising campaign. I installed the large-scale artwork at The Button Factory on Curved Street, Temple Bar, Dublin over night in time for the annual sleep out. The mural was dedicated to the 2,099 families, including 4,419 children, currently living in emergency accommodation. It is located near the Focus Ireland coffee shop on Eustace Street which is open 365 days a year and is often the first point of call for those finding themselves at risk of homelessness. I hope anyone experiencing homelessness today in our society is able to draw some comfort from knowing there are many of us who care and are willing to take action. The work features two women locked in an embrace, with one clearly visible while the other appears as a shadow. The figure that is ‘seen’ represents the empathy and generosity of the Irish public, while the ‘unseen’ shadow figure embodies the mothers of the thousands of families trapped in hidden homelessness.