Swimming Otters (Dobharchúnna Snámha)
9 meter stencil, paint. Site-specific street art work. Limerick, Ireland. 2017.
This work was created as a public artwork with funding from Local Agenda 21, Biodiversity Strand, by the Environmental Office at Limerick County Council. It is located under Shannon Bridge in Limerick City Centre. This pathway is the gateway to the Westfield Wetlands, a European Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
The aim of this work was to create awareness of the unique wildlife that exists in the city while encouraging the viewer to physically come and explore the SAC for themselves. The presence of this interventionist work opens a dialogue regarding water quality, local environment, urban ecology, ownership of public spaces, and public art. The work was completed with participation by members of St. Michaels Rowing Club allowing them to further their connection with the river as local wildlife as common users of the space.
Watch a video documenting Limerick Street Art featuring this work.