Drawing the crowds... Artists go Incognito for a good cause
ART-LOVERS, collectors and gamblers alike could soon find themselves the proud owner of a painting by Bono or graffiti artist, Maser, for as little as €50.
It’s all part of an annual charity initiative called Incognito in which as many as 2,600 postcard-size pieces of original artworks go on sale to raise money for The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.
But there is a twist – buyers won’t know the identity of the artist until after they buy the piece of work at the charity event.
A long list of well-known artists, including fashion designer Paul Costelloe, Bono and Maser – whose works, including the Repeal the 8th mural at the Project Arts Theatre in Dublin, have brought him worldwide recognition – will create pieces for the charity exhibition.
The artist will only be revealed to the buyer after they purchase the piece and see the creator’s name on the back. Paul Costelloe launched the secret art sale, sponsored by the William Fry law firm, in their offices in Dublin yesterday.
It’s the largest art sale in Ireland this year. Among the 1,000 artists submitting their work for Incognito 2019 are: Paul Costelloe, Bono, Maser, Tom Climent, Mick O’Dea, Martin Mooney, Ed Miliano, Adrian + Shane, Abigail O’Brien, Peter Curling, Martin Mooney and Victor Richardson. Now in its third year, the secret art sale has proven to be a huge success, with last year’s sell-out event raising over €95,000.
Carmel Doyle, CEO of Jack & Jill said: ‘It’s a real art lotto, and if last year is anything to go by, people will be queuing from early morning... to purchase their favourite piece.’ She added: ‘By taking part, each artist is helping to fund home nursing care hours and respite services for sick children up to the age of five.’
The art went on view yesterday on www.incognito.ie ahead of the sale days at the Solomon Gallery in the Westbury Mall, Dublin from April 5 to April 7 and the Lavit Gallery on Wandesford Quay, Cork on May 17 and 18.